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Canada’s Retaliation Against the Smoot-Hawley Tariff (1930)\nOne of the most immediate and severe retaliatory responses to the Smoot-Hawley Tariff came from Canada, which was heavily dependent on trade with the United States. Canada was the largest export market for U.S. goods at the time, and when the U.S. imposed high tariffs on Canadian imports, Canada responded with its own punitive tariffs on American products.\n\nBackground: U.S.-Canada Trade Before Smoot-Hawley\nIn 1929, about 75% of Canadian exports went to the U.S.\nCanada was also a major supplier of lumber, wheat, cattle, and minerals to American markets.\nThe two economies were deeply intertwined, and Canada had traditionally followed a low-tariff trade policy with the U.S.\nCanada’s Response: Retaliatory Tariffs (1930)\nPrime Minister R.B. Bennett responded to Smoot-Hawley by raising tariffs on American goods, specifically targeting products from the U.S. Midwest and industrial centers.\nCanada increased tariffs on over 16 U.S. goods, including:\nFarm machinery\nAutomobiles\nFruits and vegetables\nTextiles\nThese tariffs redirected Canadian trade away from the U.S. and toward Britain and other Commonwealth nations, under a new imperial preference system.\nEconomic Consequences\nFor the United States:\n❌ Sharp decline in U.S. exports to Canada\n\nU.S. exports to Canada dropped by 55% between 1929 and 1932.\nAmerican automobile and farm equipment industries suffered severe losses.\nMany Midwest farmers, who had relied on Canadian sales, went bankrupt.\n❌ Loss of a major trading partner\n\nCanada sought alternative suppliers in Britain, Australia, and other Commonwealth nations.\nThis permanently weakened U.S.-Canada economic ties, forcing the U.S. to reconsider its trade policies.\nFor Canada:\n✅ Diversification of Trade\n\nCanada strengthened trade ties with Britain and other Commonwealth countries.\nCanadian exports to Britain increased, helping Canada avoid complete economic collapse.\n❌ Short-term economic pain\n\nWhile Canada successfully retaliated, the tariffs raised prices for Canadian consumers.\nThe Canadian economy still suffered from the global depression, but it recovered faster than the U.S. by diversifying trade.\nLong-Term Impact\nPermanent Shift in Canadian Trade Policy\n\nCanada moved away from dependence on the U.S. and pursued closer economic ties with Britain.\nThis weakened U.S. economic influence in Canada for decades.\nRepeal of Smoot-Hawley and the Start of U.S. Trade Liberalization\n\nThe failure of Smoot-Hawley contributed to the Reciprocal Trade Agreements Act (1934) under Franklin D. Roosevelt, which lowered tariffs and encouraged bilateral trade deals.\nU.S.-Canada trade eventually recovered, but the economic damage lasted for years.\nConclusion\nThe U.S. intended to protect its industries, but Smoot-Hawley backfired by provoking Canada’s retaliation. This case study highlights how tariffs can damage relationships with key trading partners, disrupt industries, and reduce exports, ultimately harming the economy.

Even though we as Americans might disagree with President Trump, we have to stand firm on some things here, the way PM Trudeau came on here and reversed this tariffs on the US after all we done with this is still an attack on us, we have to think broader and wider, I am a 22 year retired Navy vet and seen how these countries treat us and we have been taken advantage of, it’s time we stand firm. I love my Canadian brothers and sisters, but this more a government issue here.

This blowhard deserves respect from no one. He talks tough now because he will soon be stepping down as PM. As a Canadian, I am ashamed that my country elected this tyrant three times. Canada is in no position to lecture ANYONE on governance.

Canadian here … It is abhorrent that Donald Trump was voted into power, again. He should have lost his ability to be on the ballot. It’s outrageous and sickening what he’s been getting away with. I love the USA and grieve at what is happening between our countries.

Let's not forget how Trudeau and his party ruined our country in the last 4-8 years... It's like Canadians are already forgetting that and are praising him? Sure I get these steps against tariffs are in the right direction but this man still sickens me. Canada is not the same because of him and the liberal party. It's time for change.

this is 100 percent justins fault. he let india china and russia take over our country we as canadians cant be trusted now. justins bank accoutn is full of bribe money and now we as canadians have to pay

Our dumb PM Trudeau is punishing Canadians by adding tarrifs to US products they need for their businesses and not given them time to find alternative canadian sources. He is not as smart as premier Doug Ford who is just adding surtaxes to products sold to US from Canada. He doesn't care if he did he would end poroguing of parliament and increase spending on military and border protection on all sides of our country he says that Trump is going to cause a recession in Canada we already have on caused by 9 years of Liberal federal government backed by NDP leader Jagmeet Singh.

Our immature Canadian leader reacting emotionally, not professionally time to turn down the rhetoric. How about look for solutions and a long long over due, Canada supporting Canada first. \nShame on Canadian government for not marketing Canada and turning into a highly competitive nation. \nBy the way this is not a secure country!

So Americans can't pull together like Canadians? Our country is worth fighting for also sir!

Please don't sugarcoat it I'll eat that too ?\n\nEdit: I love this country where I am,\nThis land is where I make my stand.\nNo other heart is truer then,\nThe one we call Canadian!

He is a good president, he is very kind, he is compassionate, he has done a lot of good for all Canadians. I would not like him to resign. I would like him to continue in the country as President of Canada.

Canadian here. There's a lot of people in Canada that don't like Trudeau for a lot of reasons, but with the recent events I think the majority of the country has come to tolorate him a little while longer until we get a new Prime Minister. Trumps actions have only united the Canadian people.

Canadian ?? here.\n\nThis doesn’t change the fact that Trudeau has ruined our country

Great, unambiguous words by the Canadian president! But one of his remarks stood out: he said that the tyrants want to divide us. He is correct, of course. But the implications are profound! This means that Trudeau himself is measuring his words and deliberately using diplomatic language. He even says that Trump is “intelligent”, which only plays into the imbecile’s unfortunate NPD psychology! The unwillingness to stand strong against American tyranny is harming democracy worldwide! Force Trump to declare a side! And make him choose Putin or democracy NOW!! If you fail to do that, you are taking the path of accommodation, and if Trump is really a tyrant (which he surely is, because of MANY evidences!!), democratic countries weaken their position by not standing strong NOW. If Europe and Canada and Mexico ban Tesla imports and place 50% tariffs on tens of billions of dollars of American products, what would happen? Are these countries AFRAID of the United States? This is not the time for fear! This is the time for courage! Boycott!!!

I am a US citizen and will never call felon47 my president. He cares nothing about our country or citizens not to speak of how he has lied about and treated our Canadian friends. Thank you for doing what our own legislature will not do, stand up to this tyrant. God Bless Canada, and may God save our country!

? I wanna move to Canada! Seriously, it is so sad that citizens of the USA have to suffer at the hands of our Government/Trump. I have relatives in Canada and I live in a city directly across the river from Canada, I pray this does not affect the great relationship the common American citizen has with its Canadian neighbor! Love and Blessings to both countries and may God have mercy on us all. ????????????????????????

Hey Trudeau where you going to get those new computer chips from? Haha looks like Canadian electronics will be much like what the world thinks of Canada… Canada is the TEMU country of the entire world! He stop running over elderly women in wheelchairs with drums Mounted MP’s on gay horses! Canada’s claim tofame!

I'm Canadian. And in my 50s. We've always tended to joke back and forth about stereotypes from our countries. I've always felt we looked up to American ideals ideas and this is why we felt strong to stand with America with many things. I've sometimes not been happy with our Prime Minister but he left a mark, and I'm proud our country is more united but I'm sad at what cost. I hope this is short lived.. I don't like fighting with family

I would like to thank all the kind words from all over the world I see here. We as Canadians really appreciate it. It's going to be a tough time ahead for this country, but if no one else will stand up to Trump, we will.

Omg! We don't want this either, my Canadian friends...I don't know what to do. I feel so damn helpless right now watching this country fall apart ? Destroying our relations with so many Allies in just weeks. This is so damn scary!! Dear Lord help us

I dont know. Twice , Ive met Canadians down here in the states. And right off both times they were complete assholes to me. Not just me.but our country The one guy I tried make friendly conversation and I mentioned I was going to a race tomorrow and he goes off on America and their racing , americans and their gasoline.Liked he walk here lmao..what an asshole..just rude ..I dont feel bad for Canada one bit. Both times...ASSHOLES!

I’m Canadian. I’ve not been a fan of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in the past, but he is the man for the moment and I’m so proud of him right now! Articulate, thoughtful, calm and firm. Exactly what a true leader should be. To my American neighbours: this is what leadership looks like. Bringing the country together,not tearing it apart??

How come you won't allow US banks into your country but the USA lets your Canadian banks over there?

Im canadian and Trudeau is a looser that doesn't speak for me\n \nThank you trump for showing canadians how weak our liberal progessive politicians have made our country

Im uk, canadian cousins, best people on the planet. Widely regarded as just being the nicest country on the planet, from france and england, they have taken the best of both, determination and grit but always keeping things polite. The most reliable dependinal country ever. The us have had the luckiest neighbours on the planet. And no 1 of worlwide neighbours. For trump/elon to screw both ukraine and canada in the same week. Only person who could have wanted that more is putin.

As a US veteran, I have no idea why trump is making these ridiculous decisions. Our country is being lead by blind, ignorant and arrogant people.\nPlease know the majority of Americans do not support this stupidity.\nI love Canadians and always have, Trump will never destroy the friendships made there.

From Canada: Sorry but we did this to ourselves by not growing our economy as we could have done, by not expanding energy and trade, by being led by a non-leader who panders only to the east and disrespects the west, who spends money like it’s on fire. Trudeau could learn so much from Sen Robert Kennedy about spending money that isn’t his to spend… If eastern Canada would respect the wealth we have in the country, in the ground, we would not be in this position. Canada could be one of the wealthiest countries in the world and Canadians could have a very high standard of living. Instead we are stagnant and woke, dying from terrible drug policies and woke law, and bursting with a terrible “look at me, look at how good I am” immigration policy. We have no investment or tourism in BC, no foreign buyers, almost no airbnb, no fruit, soon to be no wine, but at least we have free drugs and 2000 genders, right Provincial NPD? That will help the bank account. And we have no respect for Alberta’s riches that benefit EVERYONE. All the power is centralized in Quebec, with the Bloc not even a federal GD party but somehow allowed to be a federal party, and Ontario and Atlantic Canada just loving a false sense of moral and intellectual superiority, and don’t forget transfer payments. And we have got ourselves into this Liberal government purgatory (thank God the Federal NPD have been decimated over it…at least there is some justice), so that we write cheques to make us feel good and look good despite that we can’t afford it. And we prevent growth and trade to make ourselves feel good and look good even though we can’t afford it. And here we are now, broke a** with no prospects and no savings. Well done Canada and well done Capitano Trudeau.

Full support to canadian people but not these 3 jokers. what trump is doing is not good, even india is not acting like this when bangladesh is operating like a rabid dog, however what real canadians should understand is that their country's current situation is because of this 3 jokers. Canada should appoint leaders that has atleast some basic understanding of geopolitics. Look at india right after meeting trump last week it has signed several deals with the EU, and even finalizing FTA with it by the end of this year. There was suppose to be a FTA with canada aswell but these jokers supported criminal illegals from india which india wanted back to face justice but these jokers defended those guys and even threatened indian diplomats, so even now you guys have time, exercise your democratic power and throw these three boogers and illegals out of your county. And plese don't overuse marijuana before the election day because its a very important day for you guys.. you guys need to be atleast 60% concious when you cast your vote, because i fear some of you might vote the wrong person After that enjoy your weed as much as you like. BEST of luck my canadian friends?

Trudeau should have been proactive in the first place. Canada had put tarriff on other countries in the first place. They even did not sell our oil in the first place when saying no business case. Just to please his socialist minister. When trump was not in power this man went at trump the entire trump. \n\nTrudeau is lying to his teeth. \n\nThe fentynal crisis in canada is alot more worse \n\nFew months ago the had the biggest drug bust in Canadian history which could kill the entire Canadian population.\n\n\nI dont trust trudeau at all.

Wow, that’s a very good polite speech of a leader. I’m Asian used to live in Ontario 10 years ago and I love Canadian people they are not racist. \nI so wish you all luck for your loving Country. \nGo go go Canada !!!! watching from Czech Republic ❤

CANADIANS HAVE TO BE STRONG AND STAND TOGETHER..THIS IS AN ACT OVE WAR AGAINST OUR COUNTRY OUR WAY OVE LIVES AND FREEDOM..IT WILL GET WORST TRUMP IS A DICTATOR AND DANGEROUS. NO RETREAT NO SURRENDER CANADA STRONG ????????????

Canadians must be proud to have Trudeau, a guy with immense big balls. Not small fish caviar like in Donald Trump's sack.\nGreetings from Austria and respect for not let your country get bullied from the disgusting Trump buffoon.\nTrudeau is a hero!

Tarifs are taxes. If the US and Canada both increase taxes, the only loosers will be the American and the Canadian people. The States of both countries will be fine. They'll be even richer.

Justin Trudeau shows here what it means to be a statesman standing strong for his country and not a pathetic remote controlled brainless manbaby without any manners or decency. Tonight I am Canadian.

I hope you Canadians know that WE, the sane citizens of the United States, do NOT agree with what Trump has started. We don't even want him here!\n\nUnfortunately, there are a lot of racists in our country who have learned to blame other groups of people for the failures of the very party they vote for. \n\nI say, FIGHT BACK! Don't allow the Dictator Orange Man to bully y'all. However, this affects us, we'll have to deal with it, and the ONLY person to blame will be Trump! \n\nLong live, Canada! -Signed, A Black American Woman (who did not vote for that literal clown)

Getting tired of Trudeau and Trump speaking for both countries and the citizens of both countries.\nWhile World leaders fight for power the ordinary citizens of both countries suffer the consequences of their actions.\nIf Trudeau really cared about Canadians he could start by eliminating the Carbon Tax.

This man announced his resignation in almost 2 months ago, then prorogued parliament, then backed the other WEF globalist dude immediately available even though never once elected to public office, and is now speaking on behalf of a country he has never really supported at all.\nHe reads a good speech, that was written by a speech writer, but his past decade of actions haven't been pro Canadian.\nCanada will be fine. With or without Trudeau, Trump or any other narcissistic politician that loves the sound of their own voice.

Trudeau doesn't care about Canadians or USA! I don't care about his speech! He has harmed this country for the last 10 years so why the change of heart now when he already resigned! Trudeau waited for the last few weeks to secure the border when he had no choice when that should of been done years ago!!!

The number of countries around the world boycotting American products in support of Canada will really bite America. Canadians are done, we will not be bullied by our neighbours to the south, and free nations are watching. America has lost all previous respect it had on the world stage. America is not a decent and reliable friend, America can not be trusted to honour its agreement. We will fight back! Canad has never started a war of any kind, but we have never failed to fight back when attacked, and we have never lost a war!

Canadian here (NS): Not the biggest Trudeau fan the last couple years.. buuuut he is hands down more a world class leader of his country than trump every could be right now or ever in the future now. What a shitshow. Trudeau REITERATED the wall street journal's words.. dont spin it like trudeau just name called him out of the blue in the hopes to insite something else. Look INWARD (cough*trump*) and fix your shit. Remember these days my american friends.

Very sad that Canadians who have always been there for us from such a friendly country are getting shit on by this administration. I live in Idaho by the border and am ashamed of our treatment of such an awesome neighbor

Trump has made it SO EMBARRASSING to be an American. Canadians, we apologize and hope to rid ourselves of the criminal gang that has taken over our country.

Canadians are not smart enough to deport all of the illegal immigrants in their country. They have weak and stupid leaders.

Canadian here; Trudeau spent the last decade ruining Canada, destroying peoples quality of life, flooding the country with cheap labour & being compromised by rival nations. Judge a person not by what they say, but what they have done.

Canada is already heading into an economic crisis, and what Trudeau just did might be the final nail in the coffin. This is his last big mistake — and he’ll soon blame Trump’s policies to cover up his own failures.\n\nLet’s be clear: Trump’s tariff policies aren’t some random attack — they’re based on a simple reality: The U.S. doesn’t need Canada. Here’s why:\n\nEconomy Size Comparison:\n\nU.S. GDP (2024): Over $28 trillion\nCanada GDP (2024): Around $2.3 trillion\nThe U.S. economy is more than 12 times larger than Canada’s — the leverage is completely one-sided.\nTrade Imbalance:\n\n75% of Canadian exports go straight to the U.S. — Canada’s economy depends on the American market to survive.\nMeanwhile, only around 12-15% of U.S. exports go to Canada. The U.S. can replace Canadian goods easily through Mexico, Europe, or Asia, but Canada has no backup plan for losing U.S. access.\nPopulation and Consumer Base:\n\nU.S. population: Over 330 million\nCanada: Around 40 million\nThe U.S. is 8 times the market size, meaning American businesses would always prioritize the U.S. market over Canada.\nNatural Resources & Energy:\n\nCanada’s oil, gas, and timber exports rely heavily on U.S. buyers.\nThe U.S. is already the world’s top producer of oil and gas thanks to its shale industry — it can easily survive without Canadian energy.\nCanada, on the other hand, would struggle to find new customers fast enough to avoid collapse.\n\nDefense & Global Influence:\nThe U.S. holds dozens of trade agreements with major powers like the EU, Japan, South Korea, and Mexico.\nCanada’s economy relies heavily on U.S. investment, which could be cut off or redirected if necessary.\nBottom line: Trudeau is dragging Canada into a crisis of his own making. He’s gambling with his country’s economic future, knowing full well that in any economic war with the U.S., Canada loses — fast. When the fallout hits, Trudeau will shift the blame to Trump, but the facts are clear: Canada needs the U.S. far more than the U.S. needs Canada.

As an American and a Trump supporter, I agree with these tariffs, but only equal to the tariffs other countries charge the United States on our imports. I do not agree with imposing this on our brothers and sisters to the north. I’m speaking of the good people of Canada. I have traveled to Canada and crossing the border was just like crossing into another state. Yes, there was a border gate which there should be, but I had absolutely no problem whatsoever. I hope our government can work this out very quickly and stop this foolishness. But to countries like China and Europe the United States should charge a reciprocal tariff as to what you charge us on our import. It’s only fair. Why are we paying an exuberant tariff for our goods entering your country and you expect to pay nothing with your goods entering ours. Most Americans, love Canada and love our Canadian brothers and sisters, we’ve always supported each other in world, wars, and other attacks against our respective countries. I pray this is resolved quickly, and then we can once again live United and in harmony.

While I don’t agree with Trumps tariffs, I understand why he’s doing them. As a Canadian citizen, please don’t glamorize Trudeau- hes a spoiled rotten brat of a former PM. Nothing more. You’ve not lived the last 10 years under his totalitarian govt, suspending the rights of Canadians at will, insulting and dividing our country at will, taking away legal firearms owners rights rights at will (people who had to pass safety courses and are more vetted than RCMP officers). \n\nHe’s proven to be more fake than a $3 dollar bill. All the liberal & ndp’s in Canada are. He has the worst record in Canadian history as a PM, including the highest taxes, home prices, massive, unsustainable immigration, and the worst healthcare crisis in Canada’s socialized medical system since its inception. \n\nHe’s accumulated more debt than all previous PM’s COMBINED (as per the PBO). \n\nThen he comes on here after he resigned on Jan.6th - yes after cratering Canada’s economy methodically for the last 10 yrs - to inflame the POTUS and who will pay for that? Canadian and American working class citizens. \n\nIf you think Canada is so great, you’re either a wealthy boomer, or have no clue what it’s like to work for a living in this modern economy in Canada. People are required to work 2-3 jobs just to afford the basics. Wages have been stagnant since the 90’s here, with cost of living rising 600-700% in the last 10 yrs.

With having so many friends in America, this saddens me to no end. As a Canadian, I am so sorry to see our two Country's come to this. It should never have happened.

FYI this guy quit his job and put Canada into a position that we rely on other countries to live, has been found guilty in a court of law for embezzlement, what he is doing is preparing his Liberal party to put Canada in a state of emergency that will not allow a democratic election. Trudeau is a dictator don't be fooled like Canada was This guy is a criminal and no Canadians want him in power.

As a Canadian, I am proud to see our Prime Minister answering directly to Trump. Mr. Trudeau spoke like a great leader of our country, we are with him and with every Canadian against an unpredictable predator. I'll support our governments in any actions that will be taken to answer to this attack.