Canadians Dislike Trump Tariffs and Fear Higher Costs in 2025

8 in 10 Canadians think Trump's tariffs will make things cost more. This is a big worry for many families.
By Newsroom | Business, Canada |

A significant majority of Canadians hold unfavorable views of Donald Trump and express strong concerns regarding the economic repercussions and potential escalation of trade disputes stemming from his imposed tariffs. Public sentiment indicates a prevailing belief that these tariffs will negatively impact daily life, the cost of living, and Canada-U.S. relations. There is also a clear public desire for retaliatory measures, signaling a divergence in how Canadians and the U.S. administration perceive the economic implications.

Canadians think Trump's tariffs are only going to get worse, poll finds - 1

Public Opinion on Tariffs and Trump

Canadians largely view Donald Trump negatively, with polls consistently showing a low favorable rating. For instance, one survey indicated only 17% of Canadians held a positive view of Trump, while 79% felt the opposite. This sentiment appears to be closely tied to the imposition of tariffs.

Canadians think Trump's tariffs are only going to get worse, poll finds - 2

  • Tariff Impact: Canadians report that Trump's tariffs have affected their personal finances and daily habits, with a significant portion fearing a negative impact on their day-to-day lives.

  • Cost of Living: Eight in ten Canadians believe that American tariffs on Canadian goods will increase the cost of living.

  • Canada-U.S. Relations: Nine in ten Canadians believe the tariffs will have a negative impact on Canada-U.S. relations.

Support for Retaliatory Measures

In response to the threats and implementation of tariffs, a strong consensus exists among Canadians for their government to engage in retaliatory actions.

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Canadians think Trump's tariffs are only going to get worse, poll finds - 3

  • "Fighting Fire with Fire": An overwhelming majority of Canadians believe their country should respond in kind if Donald Trump proceeds with imposing tariffs.

  • Government Response: There is public support for an investment plan aimed at growing the Canadian economy, supporting domestic industries, and creating jobs in response to the tariffs.

  • Specific Exemptions: A majority of respondents disagreed with the insistence that Canadian oil and gas exports be exempt from any Canadian response to Trump's tariffs, suggesting a broader desire for firm retaliatory action.

Shifting National Concerns

The trade dispute and its implications have become a dominant concern for Canadians, surpassing other economic anxieties like inflation.

Canadians think Trump's tariffs are only going to get worse, poll finds - 4

  • Top Political Anxiety: A new poll suggests the trade war with the United States is now the biggest source of political anxiety for Canadians, overtaking inflation.

  • Broad Impact: Donald Trump is described as being "top of mind" for most Canadians, drawing attention away from other significant news.

  • Regional Differences: While inflation remains a leading concern for younger Canadians and those in Alberta, the broader trade war anxiety appears widespread.

Divergent Views on Economic Causes and Solutions

While the impact of tariffs is widely acknowledged, opinions on how to address the situation and perceptions of Donald Trump's motivations vary.

  • Trump's Motivations: A significant portion of Canadians view Donald Trump negatively, with descriptors like "corrupt" and "fascist" being common. Conversely, a smaller percentage believe his actions are intended to help working-class Americans.

  • Trust in Leadership: Canadians are divided on their trust in the Prime Minister to manage the relationship with the United States and defend against political and financial pressure.

  • Policy Responses: While the public largely supports retaliatory measures, specific policy suggestions for offsetting the impact of the trade war, such as approving new pipelines and cutting taxes, have also been put forth.

Evidence

SourceKey FindingSupporting Detail
CBC NewsLow favorable view of Donald Trump among Canadians; tariffs imposed on Canadian goods.17% favorable view of Trump; 79% unfavorable. 25% across-the-board tariffs ordered, with 10% on Canadian energy.
Globalnews.caOverwhelming support for retaliation against Trump's tariffs.Majority believe Canada should "fight fire with fire"; 55% disagreed with exempting oil/gas from Canadian response.
Leger360.comTariffs had a significant economic impact on Canada and personal finances in 2025.Households report impacts on personal finances and daily habits. Trust in federal leadership on U.S. relations is split.
The Globe and MailCanadians are feeling anxious and angry, leading to a souring view of the U.S. over tariffs.Example of an individual refusing products made in Canada for U.S. companies; Ottawa implementing countermeasures.
Canadian Labour CongressCanadians reject appeasement and expect strong government action against tariffs.Two in three reject appeasement; 8 in 10 believe tariffs increase cost of living; 9 in 10 see negative impact on relations.
The StarMajority fear the impact of Donald Trump’s tariffs; negative views of the U.S. have increased.65% believe trade war will affect day-to-day lives negatively; 59% had negative view of U.S. prior to increased tariffs.
CTV NewsCanadians are losing confidence in the future of the trade relationship with the U.S.Poll indicates a decline in confidence regarding the long-term trade relationship.
Advisor.caTrump's tariffs and the ensuing trade war have become the top source of political anxiety for Canadians.Trade war has surpassed inflation as the primary concern; Donald Trump is "top of mind" for Canadians.

Expert Analysis

  • "The strong public sentiment for retaliation suggests that Canadians are prioritizing national sovereignty and economic defense over conciliation when faced with perceived aggressive trade policies from the United States." - Implied sentiment from public opinion data across multiple sources.

  • "The shift in anxiety from inflation to the trade war indicates that the immediate and tangible threat of tariffs on the Canada-U.S. economic relationship is resonating more profoundly with the Canadian public at this time." - Observation based on the comparative ranking of concerns.

Conclusion

The evidence overwhelmingly indicates that Donald Trump's tariffs have generated widespread anxiety and disapproval among Canadians. This sentiment extends beyond mere economic concern, influencing public perception of the U.S. and its leadership. Canadians appear unified in their desire for a strong governmental response, advocating for retaliatory measures rather than appeasement. The trade dispute has escalated to become a primary political anxiety, superseding other economic issues like inflation. While there are differing views on specific policy responses and Donald Trump's motivations, the collective impact on the Canadian economy, daily life, and the bilateral relationship is viewed as significantly negative. The trend suggests a continuing erosion of confidence in the future of the Canada-U.S. trade relationship.

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Sources Used

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why are most Canadians worried about Donald Trump's tariffs?
Most Canadians dislike Donald Trump's tariffs because they fear these tariffs will make everyday items cost more and damage the relationship between Canada and the U.S.
Q: How do Canadians feel about Donald Trump himself?
Only 17% of Canadians have a good opinion of Donald Trump, while 79% have a bad opinion. This dislike is linked to his trade policies.
Q: Do Canadians want their government to fight back against the tariffs?
Yes, most Canadians believe their government should respond with similar actions if Donald Trump imposes tariffs. They want the government to help Canadian businesses and create jobs.
Q: Are Trump's tariffs the biggest worry for Canadians now?
Yes, a new poll shows that the trade fight with the U.S. is now the biggest political worry for Canadians, even more than rising prices.
Q: Will the tariffs affect daily life for Canadians?
Yes, many Canadians report that the tariffs have already changed their personal money matters and daily habits. Most believe these tariffs will negatively affect their day-to-day lives.
Q: What do Canadians think about the U.S. relationship because of the tariffs?
Nine out of ten Canadians believe the tariffs will hurt the relationship between Canada and the U.S. Many are losing hope that the trade relationship will get better.