Jeff Hubbell

President Trump’s trade war with Canada assumed economic size would translate into bargaining power. Ottawa’s refusal to back down, and the strain the tariffs are putting on U.S. border states ahead of the midterms, are opening cracks in the administration’s approach, argues expert @edwardalden. "With Republicans facing tough midterm election races in northern border states that are heavily dependent on trade with Canada, it is the United States that now appears to be backing down by lifting tariffs that are causing too much economic harm. Other countries that will face at least another two years of Trump’s trade bullying, regardless of the midterm outcomes, have much to learn from Canada’s response," he writes. "Most of the major economies, from Europe to Japan and South Korea, have cut deals with the United States to accept higher tariffs in exchange for some trade peace. Canada stands alone in resisting U.S. demands. But so far, it seems to be standing tall."