“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
Trade pacts with Malaysia and Cambodia unlock tariff-free and preferential lanes for key U.S. farm goods, expanding long-term demand in Southeast Asia.
The idea of buying more beef from Argentina does not sit well with much of farm country, raising some questions from analysts and producers.
Shaun Haney, Host of RealAg Radio, discusses President Trump’s move to halt trade talks with Canada and Mexico over a commercial about tariffs launched by the Government of Ontario.
The President’s trip to Asia this week follows a trade mission by the Iowa Soybean Association. Farmers say they were reminded that U.S. soybeans have an international reputation that can be easy to take for granted here at home.
The review signals renewed scrutiny of China’s agricultural trade pledges and could reshape farm export opportunities depending on its outcome.
The U.S.-Japan tech pact signals long-term investment in bio-innovation, connectivity, and secure supply chains — all of which can strengthen rural manufacturing, ag exports, and digital infrastructure critical to the next generation of farm productivity.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney explains why the 2026 USMCA review could directly affect dairy access, produce competition, and export reliability for U.S. farmers and ranchers.
Smaller U.S. production and steady global demand could provide better pricing opportunities in 2026.
More than 1,100 residents and farmers have signed a letter urging Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins to step in, saying the proposal threatens irrigation supplies and long-term farm viability in the region.
Reviewing risk management now can help dairy and livestock producers enter 2026 with clearer margins and fewer surprises.
Canada’s new voluntary Grocery Sector Code of Conduct will take effect on Jan. 1, a goodwill effort to promote fairness and transparency between retailers and support farms that sell directly to stores.
With record grain harvests and rising global ethanol demand, leaders across the ag and energy sectors are pushing for year-round E15 sales to mitigate the strain on grain trade.