Trade tensions between the United States and Canada remain high, but Americans are also weighing the impact closer to home.
Most Americans See Tariffs Hurting the Economy
Our latest survey finds that 57% of Americans say tariffs and tariff threats are negatively affecting the U.S. economy, compared with 21% who say the impact is positive.
Views of the administration’s broader trade performance follow a similar pattern. Fifty-four percent rate President Trump’s handling of international trade as poor, while 39% rate it positively.
A Different Perspective North of the Border
On the Canadian side, the conversation is more focused on how firmly the government should negotiate.
Fifty-six percent of Canadians say the government should take a hard line and make no further concessions, while support is also high for several retaliatory measures.
Taken together, the findings show trade pressure being felt on both sides of the border, but in different ways: Americans are focused on the economic impact at home, while Canadians are focused on how their government should respond in negotiations.
Methodology
Our survey was conducted online from August 15 to 17, 2026, among 1,622 Canadian residents aged 18 and older. Respondents were randomly recruited through Leger’s LEO online panel and could complete the survey in English or French.
Results were weighted according to age, gender, mother tongue, region, education and the presence of children in the household to ensure a representative sample of the Canadian population.
A margin of error cannot be associated with a non-probability sample. For comparison purposes, a probability sample of this size would have a margin of error no greater than ±2.4%, 19 times out of 20.