In 1812, British soldiers lined up in perfect rows, dressed in bright red, firing volleys like professionals. They were disciplined — and utterly outmatched. The Americans fought with ambushes, irregular tactics, and creative attacks on supply lines.
Today, Canada faces the same challenge.
With U.S. tariffs slamming all of our goods, except 10% on energy, we’re expected to fire back with equal tariffs. That’s the old playbook, and frankly, it’s too polite.
This is not a time for neat rows and predictable responses. This is the time for asymmetrical economic warfare — creative, relentless, often deniable, but absolutely effective.
Welland Canal Sandpaper
Instead of closing the Welland Canal (too obvious), we simply declare that this vital shipping artery needs extra maintenance inspections — safety checks, environmental reviews, infrastructure stress tests.
Cargo slows. Costs rise. Midwest factories reliant on Great Lakes shipping out to world markets feel it immediately. And what’s Canada’s excuse? We’re just being responsible stewards of public safety.
Agricultural Inspections — “For Your Safety”
Every U.S. shipment of beef, dairy, wheat, and processed food suddenly faces enhanced inspections and documentation requirements. No tariffs — just “enhanced biosecurity and consumer protection.”
Farmers and food companies won’t call the White House — they’ll scream at their own congress-people. Which is exactly the point.
Rare Earth Priority Re-Think
Canada controls key supplies of lithium, nickel, and rare earths. Instead of banning exports, we just quietly start prioritizing domestic and non-U.S. buyers.
American EV manufacturers and tech companies find themselves waiting longer, paying more. No headlines — just slow, costly inconvenience.
Tax Incentive Review
U.S. companies operating in Canada enjoy plenty of tax breaks and incentives. Canada can rethink those programs — after all, why should U.S. firms get preferred treatment while their government slaps tariffs on us?
It’s not retaliation — it’s just good policy housekeeping. And it hits right where U.S. shareholders feel it.
Administrative Sandstorm — The Power of the Clipboard
This is the crown jewel. No tariffs. No bans. Just relentless paperwork at the border:
- New environmental forms for auto parts.
- Extra food safety steps for every shipment.
- Random inspections for U.S. goods, all framed as “consumer protection.”
- Even Amazon orders from the U.S. could get flagged for “pilot project inspection.”
Just-in-time supply chains hate sandpaper. And American exporters will demand relief — from their own government.
Why Asymmetry Wins
Old trade wars were fought with tariffs and counter-tariffs. That doesn’t work when our supply chains are so deeply intertwined.
Asymmetry works because the U.S. economy is vulnerable to friction. Every hour of extra paperwork, every new compliance hurdle — it all creates real costs, real factory downtime, and real political pressure.
Final Word: Deterrence, Not Revenge
This isn’t about revenge. It’s about reminding Washington that cross-border trade is a two-way street. Hurt us? And we have ways to make life inconvenient for you — politely, professionally, and persistently.
Tariffs are blunt. Asymmetry is smarter. It’s time to fight like it’s 2025 — not 1995.
Michael Deane
Co-owner, Vice-President, Client Services
Proud Student of Economic History
