The Indicator from Planet Money · Tuesday, September 8, 2026
Canada's counter-tariff strategy strategically targets goods originating from U.S. swing states like Ohio and Pennsylvania. The aim is to apply political pressure on the White House, particularly ahead of midterm elections. While about 80% of the tariffs are on industrial inputs, the remaining consumer goods are chosen for their potential political impact.
“Well, we're going after stuff in swing states. Like Ohio, like Pennsylvania, some other border states.”
“And the hope here is that the counter tariffs will put some political pressure on the White House ahead of the midterms.”
“About 80% of our counter tariffs are for industrial inputs. So stuff that's not super sexy, steel, aluminum.”