From vehicle parts to agricultural crops, U.S.-Canada trade disputes have historically centered on tangible goods. But a new front is emerging under the Trump administration: a clash over intangible digital policies ensnaring global tech giants, signaling a pivotal shift in North American trade dynamics.
While past disagreements focused on commodities like whiskey and dairy, recent tensions highlight disagreements over data governance, intellectual property rights, and digital taxation. Analysts suggest this reflects growing global competition to regulate the digital economy, with implications for cross-border investments and supply chains.
Business leaders warn that expanding trade disputes into the tech sector could disrupt innovation partnerships between North American firms and Asian markets. “When trade policies target data flows or platform regulations, it creates uncertainty for multinationals operating in Asia’s tech hubs,” said a Singapore-based trade analyst.
The development comes as APEC members prepare to discuss digital trade frameworks later this year. Observers note that prolonged U.S.-Canada friction could influence how Asian economies approach similar negotiations.
