Global Interest in Trump’s Tariffs Surges as Public Seeks Clarity on Trade War’s Impact

As President Donald Trump’s latest round of tariffs reshapes global trade, public interest in their consequences has surged, reflecting deep concerns across multiple nations. An analysis of search data from January 20 to February 2, 2025, reveals that citizens worldwide are actively seeking information on the implications of U.S. tariffs on China, Canada, Mexico, and Colombia.

The data, compiled from global search trends, indicates that Canada is the most-searched country in the context of tariffs, drawing 88% of interest from within Canada and significant attention from the United States (27%) and Europe (35-43%). The intense focus stems from Canada’s role as one of America’s largest trading partners and a primary target of the administration’s latest trade policies.

Exhibit 1: Global total search volume between January 20 and February 2, 2025

Canada: A Trade War Frontline

Canada, facing 25% tariffs on steel and aluminium exports and new levies on dairy and timber, has emerged as the most-discussed country in global trade circles. Domestic searches show that nearly nine out of ten Canadians (88%) are actively looking up information about Trump’s tariffs, reflecting widespread concern over economic consequences.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has vowed retaliatory measures, prompting a surge in U.S. searches (27%) about Canada’s response. The tariffs have already strained U.S.-Canada relations, with businesses on both sides of the border bracing for disruptions in supply chains and increased consumer prices.

Mexico: The New Flashpoint

In Mexico, where 92% of tariff-related searches focus on U.S. trade policies, public interest reflects both concern and defiance. Trump’s decision to impose tariffs on automobile parts, avocados, and textiles has sparked widespread discussions in Mexico about potential countermeasures.

The tariffs have also fueled political rhetoric. Mexican officials are considering reciprocal duties on American corn and beef exports, a move that could escalate tensions. The data also shows that 38% of Americans are searching about tariffs on Mexico, indicating that concerns about rising consumer costs are taking hold among U.S. citizens.

China: Renewed Trade War Concerns

While China has historically been a major target of Trump’s tariffs, search interest on the topic remains high but more evenly distributed across nations. In Singapore (57%), Malaysia (62%), and Hong Kong (61%), public searches reflect regional anxieties over supply chain disruptions and trade route adjustments.

Search data from Germany (44%) and Thailand (47%) suggests that Europe and Asia remain deeply invested in how China responds. Beijing has already announced a new round of counter-tariffs on American technology and agricultural goods, signalling a renewed trade war.

Colombia: The Outlier in the Trade Debate

Unlike other nations under scrutiny, Colombia has attracted the least global search interest related to tariffs. Only 3% of Mexican searches and 1% of Canadian searches focus on Colombia, reflecting its relatively small role in the trade disputes. However, with new tariffs on Colombian coffee and textiles, analysts predict that public interest may rise as industries adjust to shifting trade policies.

Shifting Global Alliances

The geopolitical implications of Trump’s tariffs are becoming clearer. The European Union, already critical of U.S. trade policies, is aligning with Canada and Mexico in challenging Washington’s approach. Retaliatory tariffs from Canada (25% on U.S. steel) and Mexico (tariffs on key U.S. agricultural exports) suggest that America’s closest allies are no longer backing down.

In Asia, countries such as Vietnam (29%), India (29%), and South Korea (25%) show moderate search interest, reflecting growing concern over U.S. trade strategy and its impact on global markets.