The David Lin Report · Tuesday, September 8, 2026
Professor Trevor Tombe suggests that Canada's retaliation in the trade war might be counterproductive. He argues that the US tariffs are a broad domestic policy change, not specifically targeting Canada, and that retaliation further harms Canada's economy. Tombe advises Canada to focus on domestic policies to improve economic outcomes.
“Canada is not being uniquely singled out here for tariffs. And so we should view them more as US domestic policy changes. And, you know, I tend to think free trade is best for long run growth, productivity and so on. But evaluating the pros and cons of tariffs in the US is for Americans to debate.”
“And retaliation, um, you know, perhaps counterproductive to that. As it hurts Canada's economy further, makes our exports to other countries less competitive, increases costs to consumers. And detracts from the gains from trade further.”