Donald Trump recently asserted, “They feel entitled, and yet, WE DON’T NEED CANADA, THEY NEED US! They do 95% of their business with the U.S., with us, the exact opposite!”
WASHINGTON, DC: Trade tensions between the United States and Canada have intensified following the implementation of new US tariffs and subsequent retaliatory measures from Ottawa (read more on the trade fallout here). Amid the ongoing dispute, Donald Trump took to social media to claim that Canada conducts 95% of its business with the United States. A closer look at the data reveals the truth behind this statement.
The Claim: Trump Asserts Canada Conducts 95% of Its Business with the US
In an August 24 post on Truth Social, Trump criticized Canada’s trade practices, arguing that the nation relies disproportionately on the American market.
“Canada has been ripping off the United States of America for years. Their ridiculously high tariffs on our Farmers and farm products have made life impossible for these great American Patriots, and have long created a 60-billion-dollar deficit between our two Countries,” Trump wrote.
He also outlined plans to increase tariffs to 50% on Canadian automobiles, trucks, auto parts, and steel, set to take effect on January 1, 2027.
Reiterating his stance on bilateral commerce, Trump claimed, “On Trade, and in other ways, also, they are among the worst Nations in the World to deal with. They feel entitled, and yet, WE DON’T NEED CANADA, THEY NEED US! They do 95% of their business with the U.S., with us, the exact opposite!”
Fact Check: The 95% Figure Lacks Empirical Support
While Canada undoubtedly relies heavily on the US market, official trade data contradicts the 95% figure cited by Trump.
In 2025, approximately 72% of Canada’s merchandise exports were destined for the United States—down from roughly 76% in 2024 and marking the lowest proportion since the early 1980s.
That share dropped even further, falling below 70% during the first half of 2026. This shift has been driven in part by Canadian consumers steering clear of certain American goods in response to US trade policies, alongside a concerted push by Prime Minister Mark Carney to diversify Canada’s international trade partnerships.
Trump’s declaration that “WE DON’T NEED CANADA” also requires nuance. While the US economy is far less dependent on Canada than vice versa, Canada remains a critical economic partner for Washington.
By 2026, Canada stood as the second-largest export destination for the US and its second-largest source of imported goods, trailing only Mexico.
Statistics from June 2026 indicate that Canada accounted for roughly 12% of total US imports while absorbing about 14% of US exports. These metrics highlight that although Canada’s reliance on the US is profound, the cross-border economic relationship remains deeply intertwined for both nations.