For some Canadians, President Donald Trump’s tariffs may mean an erosion of trust with trade partners. Canadian national pride has sparked resistance and inspired action from small businesses. Canadian entrepreneurs are deciding which side of the border will absorb the costs of new tariffs. Close-up of ‘Shop Canadian’ poster displayed in a local storefront in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, on April 4, 2025. Artur Widak | Nurphoto | Getty Images
Just across the U.S.-Canada border, some small businesses are taking tariffs personally.
President Donald Trump has said his wide-sweeping tariffs, even on some of the country’s closest trade partners, will rebalance international trade and bring manufacturing back stateside. But for the U.S.’s northern neighbors, tariffs may mean an erosion of trust.
The country’s trade relationship with Canada has historically been integral to both national economies. In 2024,