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Business & Politics · 4 Beginner · September 8, 2026

Canada and USA Have Trade Problems

Canada and USA Have Trade Problems
Photo: Alex Ohan via Pexels

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Vocabulary

trade /treɪd/ noun
buying and selling things between people or countries
International trade connects countries around the world.
tariff /ˈtærɪf/ noun
a tax on things you bring into a country
The tariff made the price of the shirt more expensive.
war /wɔːr/ noun
a serious fight between two sides
Trade war means countries are fighting over business.
affect /əˈfekt/ verb
to change something or have an effect on it
Bad weather can affect your plans.
neighbor /ˈneɪbər/ noun
a country or person that is next to you
Canada is a neighbor of the United States.
deal /diːl/ noun
an agreement between two or more people or countries
We made a deal to share the cost.

Article

Canada and the USA are having problems with trade. The USA put taxes on things Canada sells. Now Canada put taxes on things the USA sells. This is called a trade war. It makes things hard for both countries.

What Is Happening?

Canada said they will add taxes to 20 billion dollars of American products. This means things from the USA will cost more money in Canada. Canadians may have to pay more for some goods. American companies will lose money.

Why Is This Bad?

Canada and the USA are neighbors. They do lots of business together. This trade war can hurt both countries. Workers may lose jobs. Stores may close. Prices go up for regular people.

What Products Are Affected?

The taxes apply to many American things. Food, clothes, and machines cost more now. Cars and car parts are also taxed. People have to spend more money on things they need.

What Happens Next?

Canada and the USA need to talk and fix this problem. A trade war hurts everyone. The two countries must work together. They need to make a deal that is fair for both sides.

Discussion Questions

  1. Do you buy things from other countries? How do you know where they come from?
  2. What happens to prices when countries add taxes on things?
  3. Why do you think countries fight about trade?
  4. How can two countries fix a trade war? What should they do?
  5. Does this news affect your country? Why or why not?

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