“Our economy is stronger": Canadian officials say they’re better situated to weather a trade war

President Trump’s tariff delay was welcomed news for some, but Canada’s new Prime Minister warns the situation will hurt American farmers more than theirs.

“Our economy is stronger than the American economy. We do have a better balance sheet than the United States. And we are going to be stronger than the American economy, particularly if the U.S. government continues to pursue these types of policies. We do have opportunities to build this economy. We are looking to expand our trading relationships,” said Mark Carney.

Carney became Canada’s next Prime Minister after winning the Liberal Party’s race last night. During a speech to supporters, he rebuked President Trump’s calls to make Canada the 51st U.S. state.

Not all tariffs were delayed last week. The President signed executive orders delaying tariffs only on items under the USMCA until April 2nd, and this includes both Canada and Mexico. The 10 percent energy tariff on Canada is still in place, but he has taken action on potash imports, lowering that tariff rate to 10 percent, down from 25 percent.

With planting season around the corner, Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins is backing President Trump’s plan, saying, “President Trump’s announcement which includes a reduction of tariffs on potash not already covered under the USMCA from 25% to 10% is a critical step in helping farmers manage and secure key input costs at the height of planting season while reinforcing long-term agricultural trade relations.”

Related Stories
Bigger stocks may limit upside in cotton prices.
Export growth remains key for grain profitability.
RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney explains how conflict in the Middle East is affecting spring planting as farmers navigate the evolving situation.
NCGA Chief Economist Krista Swanson discusses the evolving role of ethanol in the current energy crisis, opportunities for expanding corn discusses the evolving role of ethanol in the current marketdemand, and the industry’s outlook moving forward.
Energy risks could reshape global ag trade flows.
The ag trade deficit is narrowing, but export competition remains strong.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Sen. Roger Marshall joins us in honor of National Ag Day to share legislative updates, highlight key policy victories, and initiatives supporting farmers and rural communities he is championing in Washington.
Carol Anderson joined us to highlight the importance of rural mental health, introduce a new resilience program, and share resources available to the ag community.
During opening remarks, Rollins emphasized the strength and perseverance of the agricultural community, while teasing that a new policy announcement is expected later this week.
The Mosaic Company’s Keith Byerly shares smart input investment strategies, fertilizer considerations, and ways growers can manage risk heading into the 2026 growing season.
Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins surveys Nebraska wildfire damage as cattle losses, tight supplies, rising imports, and beef industry investigations impact U.S. markets. Roger McEowen outlines legal and tax considerations for ranchers recovering from wildfire damage.