Facing trade dispute, majority of Americans want the U.S. to make tradeoffs with Canada

Washington, D.C., September 1, 2026 – A new Ipsos poll finds that, as the U.S.’ current trade dispute with Canada escalates, a majority of Americans believe the U.S. should be willing to make tradeoffs with Canada, even if it means it doesn’t get most of what it wants (68%), rather than take a tough stance and insist on getting most of what it wants (25%). By nearly three to one, more oppose than support the U.S. placing additional tariffs on Canada (57% oppose, 20% support, 21% don’t know).

A plurality of Americans (46%) feel that the U.S. is more responsible for the current trade dispute with Canada, while just 12% feel that Canada is more responsible and 18% say both countries are equally responsible. When it comes to the financial impact of tariffs, 40% believe the tariffs between the neighboring countries will have a mostly negative impact on their financial situation, while few say it will be mostly positive (4%); 28% are unsure and 27% feel the tariffs will not have much of an impact.

In addition, a majority (63%) of Americans oppose a recent executive order signed by President Donald Trump to rename Lake Ontario to Lake America (14% support, 21% don’t know). Both Democrats (84%) and independents (65%) express majority opposition. Meanwhile, more Republicans oppose (43%) rather than support (33%) the renaming.

This survey also explores views towards the Iran War. A plurality supports the U.S. placing economic sanctions on Iran (48% support, 26% oppose) and the U.S. placing economic sanctions on countries that trade with Iran (41% support, 34% oppose).

About the Study

This poll was conducted by Ipsos between August 28-30, 2026, using the probability-based KnowledgePanel®. This poll is based on a nationally representative probability sample of 1,023 general population adults aged 18 or older.

The study was conducted in English. The data were weighted to adjust for gender by age, race and ethnicity, census region, metropolitan status, education, household income, 2024 vote choice, and political party identification. Political party identification benchmarks are from the 2026 NPORS annual survey. The demographic benchmarks came from the 2025 March supplement of the U.S. Census Bureau’s Current Population Survey (CPS).

• Gender (Male, Female) by Age (18–29, 30–44, 45-59 and 60+)
• Race/Hispanic Ethnicity (White Non-Hispanic, Black Non-Hispanic, Other, Non-Hispanic, Hispanic, 2+ Races, Non-Hispanic)
• Education (Less than High School, High School, Some College, Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree or higher)
• Census Region (Northeast, Midwest, South, West)
• Metropolitan status (Metro, non-Metro)
• Household Income (Under $25,000, $25,000-$49,999, $50,000-$74,999, $75,000-$99,999, $100,000-$149,999, $150,000+)
• 2024 Vote Choice (Trump, Harris, Another candidate, Did not vote)
• Political Party ID (Democrat, Lean Democrat, Republican, Lean Republican, Independent/Something else)

The margin of sampling error is plus or minus 3.5 percentage points at the 95% confidence level, for results based on the entire sample of adults. The margin of sampling error takes into account the design effect, which was 1.29. The margin of sampling error is higher and varies for results based on sub-samples. In our reporting of the findings, percentage points are rounded off to the nearest whole number. As a result, percentages in a given table column may total slightly higher or lower than 100%. In questions that permit multiple responses, columns may total substantially more than 100%, depending on the number of different responses offered by each respondent.

For more information on this news release, please contact:

Alec Tyson
Senior Vice President, US
Public Affairs
[email protected]

Johnny Sawyer
Senior Research Manager, US
Public Affairs
[email protected]

About Ipsos

Ipsos is one of the largest market research and polling companies globally, operating in 90 markets and employing nearly 20,000 people.

Our passionately curious research professionals, analysts and scientists have built unique multi-specialist capabilities that provide true understanding and powerful insights into the actions, opinions and motivations of citizens, consumers, patients, customers or employees. Our 75 business solutions are based on primary data from our surveys, social media monitoring, and qualitative or observational techniques.

“Game Changers” – our tagline – summarizes our ambition to help our 5,000 clients navigate with confidence our rapidly changing world.

Founded in France in 1975, Ipsos has been listed on the Euronext Paris since July 1, 1999. The company is part of the SBF 120, Mid-60 indices, and is eligible for the Deferred Settlement Service (SRD).

ISIN code FR0000073298, Reuters ISOS.PA, Bloomberg IPS:FP www.ipsos.com

35 rue du Val de Marne
75 628 Paris, Cedex 13 France
Tel. +33 1 41 98 90 00