Canadians prioritize EU over US for trade strategy

A Nanos Research poll commissioned by The Globe and Mail indicates that Canadians favor the European Union as the country’s primary commercial priority over the next five years. According to the survey, 41% of respondents identified the EU as the top priority for Canadian trade strategy, compared to 20% who prioritized the United States. Additionally, 30% of those surveyed believe all markets are equally important.

Support for strengthening ties with the EU is high, with 83% of respondents favoring closer relations. This includes 60% who desire much closer links beyond mere trade. There is also significant support for negotiating a formal association with the European bloc, with 58% supporting the option and 21% offering partial support to expand cooperation in defense, technology, energy, and research.

These findings emerge ahead of the Canada-EU summit scheduled for October 29-30 in Montreal, featuring Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and European leaders António Costa and Ursula von der Leyen. The shift in sentiment follows a deterioration in trade relations with the United States, triggered by the Trump administration's imposition of 50% tariffs on approximately $28 billion CAD worth of products, prompting reciprocal measures from Ottawa.