Plurality want trade kept at current level.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade war has pushed some Canadians toward China.
A Nanos poll found 31% of Canadians want increased trade with the world’s second-largest economy, up from 7% in June of 2023.
39% want trade kept at the current level, up from 26%.
20% want less trade with China, down from 55%.
A Dramatic Shift
This dramatic shift in Canadian opinion indicates China’s strengthening geopolitical position amid Trump’s tariff war. While global public opinion toward China had hardened in recent years due to the country’s role in the COVID pandemic, the dismantling of Hong Kong’s democracy, and human rights violations, Trump’s trade actions have focused negative attention on the U.S. and away from China.
The erratic nature of U.S. policy has made China appear stable by comparison, and fears of U.S.-caused economic disruptions have renewed interest in China as a trade partner.
China Proposes Cooperation
Chinese Ambassador Wang Di is seizing on this, saying “China is Canada’s opportunity, not Canada’s threat.”
At a time when Canadian public opinion toward the U.S. is negative, China sees an opportunity to pry away one of America’s top allies. Canada possesses many natural resources China needs, and Canadian firms seek new partners.
Reasons for Skepticism
Earlier in 2025, China executed four Canadians on drug-related charges. China has also interfered in Canadian elections and imposed tariffs on “canola oil, canola meal and peas, as well as certain pork, fish and seafood products”, as CFIB policy analyst Juliette Nicolaÿ noted.
While hedging our bets by deepening trade with others is a wise move, overdependence on China is a risk Canada should avoid. Deepening trade with democratic nations and reducing internal trade barriers would be preferable in the long term. Nevertheless, growing support for trade with China reflects the extent to which negative polarization against the U.S. is reshaping Canadian public opinion.
Spencer Fernando
Image – YouTube
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