Americans' understanding of tariffs appears limited, with only 27 percent feeling very confident about their knowledge of the trade policy tool. This lack of awareness comes at a time when tariffs have become a significant topic in U.S. economic discussions, particularly in relation to international trade relations and domestic industry protection. Potential impact of proposed tariffs Despite the public's uncertainty, proposed tariffs could have far-reaching effects on the U.S. economy. If implemented, certain proposals could increase the average tariff rate on dutiable imports to nearly 18 percent, a substantial rise from the two percent rate in 2024. Such changes would not only affect dutiable goods but also impose taxes on previously duty-free imports, potentially leading to a sharp increase in the overall tariff burden. Estimates suggest that imposing tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China could increase federal tax revenue by approximately 106 billion U.S. dollars, equivalent to 0.35 percent of the nation's GDP.

The statistic shows the trade balance of goods (exports minus imports of goods) in Canada from 2013 to 2023. A positive value means a trade surplus, a negative trade balance means a trade deficit. In 2023, the trade deficit of goods in Canada amounted to about 1.55 billion U.S. dollars. Trade with Canada Canada reported a trade surplus until 2009 when the country’s trade balance went negative for the first time in recent history. Its deficit was ignited at the height of the global recession, and the value of exports decreased significantly at that time. It is only now showing signs of a recovery. Meanwhile, while imports decreased during the recession as well, they bounced back faster than exports. Currently, Canada maintains neither a trade deficit nor a trade surplus as both imports and exports amount to around 475 billion U.S. dollars worth of goods. Canada is hoping this will continue and it is looking to lower tariffs on exports in order to further boost the economy and increase exports. Canada has long and strong trading relationship with the United States - Canada’s southern neighbor is without a doubt its most important export and import partner. Overall Canada maintains an export advantage over the United States; maintaining greater export flows than import flows. The U.S. dollar is also worth more than the Canadian dollar, favoring further exports from Canada. China and Mexico also import Canadian goods, but significantly less than the United States.