Canadian Tech CEO Criticizes Trudeau Over US Trade Fight
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In a heated response to recent trade tensions, Shopify’s CEO Tobi Lutke criticized Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s handling of trade negotiations with the United States, suggesting that Canada should have been more accommodating to President Trump’s demands.
The trade dispute escalated when Trump imposed significant tariffs on Canadian imports, implementing a 25 percent tax on most goods while setting a lower 10 percent rate for energy resources. Trudeau swiftly countered with his own tariff measures against American products.
Lutke, who leads Ottawa-based Shopify, Canada’s premier technology company valued at approximately $150 billion, expressed his concerns through social media. His company holds the distinction of being the second-largest publicly traded entity in Canada.
🚨 NEW: The CEO of the 2nd largest company in Canada has come out in DEFENSE of Trump's tariffs on Canada.
"Win by helping America win. Trump believes that Canada has not held its side of the bargain." – Tobi Lutke, CEO of Shopify pic.twitter.com/LeVtn6IdgR
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) February 2, 2025
“Canada thrives when it works with America together. Win by helping America win. Trump believes that Canada has not held its side of the bargain, and he set terms to prove that we still work together: get the borders under control and crack down on fentanyl dens,” Lutke posted Saturday on X. He is among Canada’s wealthiest citizens.
“These are things that every Canadian wants its government to do, too. These are not crazy demands, even if they came from an unpopular source,” the CEO added.
“These tariffs are going to be devastating to so many people’s lives and small businesses,” Lutke said. “Action has to be judged based on what it leads to, not how good it sounds or feels. Leadership is about doing what’s right, not what is popular. And hitting back will not lead to anything good. America will shrug it off. Canada will decline.”
Lutke shared footage of Trudeau announcing retaliatory tariffs targeting $155 billion worth of American goods at a 25 percent rate, describing it as a poor strategic choice.
I just had a good call with President Trump. Canada is implementing our $1.3 billion border plan — reinforcing the border with new choppers, technology and personnel, enhanced coordination with our American partners, and increased resources to stop the flow of fentanyl. Nearly…
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) February 3, 2025
When questioned about Canada’s retaliatory measures, Trump remained unfazed. He highlighted trade imbalances, particularly in agricultural products, claiming that the U.S. subsidizes Canada by approximately $200 billion annually without receiving proportional benefits.
The impact of these tariffs could be particularly severe for Canada, given that three-quarters of its exports are U.S.-bound, while only 13 percent of American exports go to Canada.
In subsequent comments at the White House, Trump dismissed Canada’s importance to American manufacturing, suggesting that states like Detroit, South Carolina, or Tennessee could easily handle car production. He even provocatively suggested that Canada could become the 51st state to avoid tariffs altogether.