23.01.2026, Ottava.
Motor vehicle assembly plants in Canada of US carmakers in Canada has become a vulnerability for Ottawa amid the trade war waged by Donald Trump, according to Rossa Primavera News Agency America Desk.
The trade wars unleashed by US President Donald Trump have not spared even USA’s closest natural ally, Canada. In particular, Washington imposed higher tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminum, and automobiles manufactured in Canada, despite the fact that these are largely products of assembly plants belonging to US automakers.
After unsuccessful attempts by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to reach an agreement with Trump, he announced plans to negotiate with other countries, seeking alternative markets for goods hit by sanctions and trying to obtain products Canada needs. For example, as part of updating its submarine fleet, which currently consists of four US-built submarines, Canada has considered options to purchase submarines from Germany or South Korea.
Canada is also looking for alternative markets for its energy resources, such as oil and gas, specifically exports to Europe and Asia.
One stage of this campaign was Carney’s visit to Beijing, where a deal was concluded: Canada lifts the 100% tariff on Chinese electric vehicles introduced simultaneously with the United States, while China opens its market to Canadian agricultural products. However, news of the trade agreement triggered strong backlash inside Canada.
The first to protest were Canadian trade unions representing workers in the automotive industry. Their representatives stated that the prime minister is sacrificing autoworkers. The US automaker Ford said that the deal with Beijing could undermine trade negotiations with Washington and called Chinese cars “spy vehicles.”
The interests of automobile companies are understandable: they have invested large sums in manufacturing in Canada, while the United States remains the main and natural market for these products. The outrage of workers at these plants is also clear, they may lose their jobs, becoming bargaining chips in ongoing trade wars.
The premier of Ontario, the most populous province in Canada and home to automotive manufacturing, Doug Ford joined the chorus condemning the Canada–China deal. A long-time opponent of the ruling Liberal Party of Canada, he is using the opportunity to expand his electoral base.
It is obvious that this internal Canadian dispute benefits Trump, who brazenly exploits Canada’s dependence to exert pressure on it. The strategy of the Canadian authorities is to reduce this dependence through trade agreements with other countries, which is exactly what Carney is doing now.
However, much will depend on whether the head of the Canadian government can convince Canadians of the necessity of this approach. A few months ago, Canadians readily took to the streets in support of the country’s independence after Trump’s statements about making Canada the “51st state of the United States.” Whether they are ready to bear certain costs to realize this choice remains to be seen.
Source: Rossa Primavera News Agency
