Americans Split on Tariffs Against Canada Despite Warm Relations, Survey Shows

April 7, 2025

Despite sharing the world’s longest undefended border and one of the most extensive trading partnerships globally, a new survey reveals that Americans are sharply divided on the idea of placing tariffs on Canadian-made goods.

A recent poll by Abacus Data in collaboration with GZERO Media asked 1,500 eligible U.S. voters for their thoughts on a proposed 25% tariff on goods imported from Canada. The results paint a picture of a country caught between economic concerns, political leanings, and longstanding friendship with its northern neighbor.

The Numbers Behind the Opinions

28% believe imposing the tariff is a good or very good idea
38% say it is a bad or very bad idea
19% feel it’s an “okay idea”
15% are unsure or neutral

This data highlights the absence of a clear majority, reflecting uncertainty and division among the public.

How Americans View Canada

The survey also explored how Americans perceive their relationship with Canada:

54% describe Canada as a best friend or close friend
28% view it as an ally
11% see it as a competitor
7% label Canada an adversary

These responses emphasize the complexity of current attitudes. While most Americans hold a favorable view of Canada, that sentiment does not necessarily translate into support for free trade policies.

Political Influence on Trade Views

Voter preference plays a key role in shaping opinions on tariffs. Among Trump voters, 44% support the tariff and only 16% oppose it. In contrast, only 15% of Harris voters support the tariff, while 65% oppose it. This gap underlines how partisan perspectives influence trade policy preferences.

Support for Free Trade Remains Strong

Even with political differences on tariffs, most Americans still support trade with Canada. A significant 84% believe free trade benefits both countries, with only 16% saying it does not. This suggests that despite some support for protectionist measures, Americans largely value the idea of economic cooperation.

Why It Matters Now

Canada is not only a close neighbor but also the United States’ largest trading partner. In 2024, 76% of Canadian exports went to the U.S., and 62% of Canadian imports came from the U.S. Any tariff dispute could have wide-reaching effects on industries including automotive, agriculture, and manufacturing.

Economists have warned that tariffs could increase prices for consumers, trigger retaliation from Canada, and strain one of America’s most reliable international relationships.

As Washington weighs its next steps, the message from the public is nuanced. While there is a notable portion of the population open to tariffs, there is also a strong foundation of support for maintaining a positive and cooperative relationship with Canada.

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