Trump's Canada Claims Collide with Reality: US Economy Relying Heavily on Neighbour

U.S. President Donald Trump has long claimed that America doesn't need Canada, but the numbers tell a different story. Every day, approximately 4 million barrels of Canadian crude oil flow south into the United States, fueling American cars, trucks, and airplanes as well as supplying U.S. industry.

Canada is also a major supplier of aluminum to the U.S., with about 80% of U.S. potash imports coming from Canada. The two countries have built an integrated auto industry, with parts often crossing the border up to six times before final assembly.

Trump's claim that the U.S. doesn't need Canada is 'absolutely false,' according to Daniel Béland, a political science professor at McGill University. Béland points out that the U.S. relies heavily on Canadian oil and natural gas as well as deeply integrated industries such as autos.

The energy relationship between the two countries explains much of the U.S. trade deficit with Canada, which Trump frequently cites as evidence of an unfair relationship. However, much of this gap reflects U.S. purchases of Canadian energy, which helps power the U.S. economy.