US-Canada Trade War Nears Next Escalation; Rising Popularity of Labor Unions

Democratic Representative Haley Stevens said her home state of Michigan is bearing much of the economic fallout from the trade dispute with Canada. The latest round of tariffs began when the Trump administration imposed tariffs on $20 billion worth of Canadian goods after trade talks collapsed on Aug. 21. Canada responded with retaliatory tariffs on US goods set to take effect on Sept. 8, and it’s unclear whether the two countries will reopen negotiations anytime soon. Michigan’s economy relies heavily on cross-border trade and the auto industry, making it particularly vulnerable to the dispute. Canada was Michigan's largest export market in 2025 with exports totaling $23 billion, according to data from the International Trade Administration.

A Gallup poll shows 71% of Americans approve of labor unions and a record 47% want them to have more influence, while 52% of Republicans also approve. AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler says unions are organizing around wages, AI and the midterms. This comes as House Republicans investigate whether some unions improperly used member dues for political activity, allegations Shuler rejects.

On today's show, Bloomberg This Weekend hosts Christina Ruffini and Jeff Mason speak with:

• Representative Haley Stevens (D-Michigan), on the effect of the trade war between the US and Canada on Michigan
• Representative Kevin Kiley (I-California), on this week's Republican Convention ahead of the midterms
• Liz Shuler, AFL-CIO President on the rise in labor union membership and their desire for more influence
• Plus, Christina, Jeff, and Lisa Mateo play Pointed: The News Quiz for Risk Takers.

For more conversations like this, watch and listen to Bloomberg This Weekend live on Saturdays and Sundays from 7AM-10AM ET. Watch on Bloomberg Television, listen on Bloomberg Radio and stream the show live on the Bloomberg Business app and Bloomberg.com/video.

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