Many Texans Unaware of Deep Canada Trade Ties

In Houston, many residents remain unaware of the deep economic ties binding Texas to Canada, its second-largest trading partner, even as U.S. protectionist policies intensify under President Donald Trump. Interviews with everyday Texans last week revealed misconceptions that could jeopardize bilateral relations amid an upcoming review of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement, or CUSMA.

Herman Moreno, a Trump supporter and military veteran who relocated from Michigan to Texas three years ago to care for his disabled grandchild, expressed frustration outside a grocery store. "Canada better straighten up, bro," he said. "If they want their money, they better straighten up." Moreno, who believes Canada has no significant trade links with Texas and once aspired to become a U.S. state, drew his views from social media narratives echoing Alberta separatist sentiments.

Such ignorance is widespread, according to Laura Dawson, executive director of the Future Borders Coalition and an expert on Canada-U.S. relations. In 2024, Texas imported $38.6 billion in goods from Canada, including automobiles, aircraft and oil, while exporting $36.6 billion worth of products northward. Canadian investors,...