US-Canada Resource Dependence Exposed: A Complex Web of Trade and Infrastructure

The United States relies heavily on Canada for strategic resources, including oil, natural gas, and minerals. According to data from the Office of the United States Trade Representative, bilateral trade in goods reached approximately US$715.5 million in 2025, with the United States exporting US$333.6 million to Canada and importing US$381.9 million.

Canadian oil is particularly difficult for U.S. refineries to replace, as much of it arrives via pipelines to facilities specifically configured to process heavy crude oil. The United States could import more heavy crude from Venezuela or Mexico, but this would involve modifying supply routes and assuming higher transportation costs or geopolitical risks.

The energy relationship between the two countries extends beyond oil, with the U.S. importing natural gas from Canada at an average of 8.6 million cubic feet per day in 2025. This supply is especially important for regions such as the Midwest and Pacific Northwest during periods of high demand.