Former U.S. Canada envoy says Trump’s trade stance pushed Ottawa toward China

In an interview, former U.S. ambassador to Canada David L. Cohen blamed the Trump administration’s confrontational trade policy for prompting Canada to flirt with Chinese partnerships. He said the “aggressive” stance conflicted with President Trump’s broader trade goals and nudged allies to reassess their options. Cohen acknowledged persistent friction over Canada’s dairy tariff-rate quota, a grievance that has spanned multiple U.S. administrations.

While he lauded the USMCA as a “terrific deal” that improved continental trade, he faulted Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick for overstepping his negotiating role. Cohen urged a revival of seasoned trade professionals, citing USTR head Greer as an example, and warned that the current breakdown could become a historic case study in U.S.-Canada trade relations.