by Seneca Moraleda-Puguan
My mother is a naturalized American. My youngest brother is a naturalized Canadian.
While they are not in conflict, the countries they now pledge allegiance to—are.
Lately, my husband and I have been glued not to our usual Korean dramas, but to news about the ongoing trade war between the U.S. and Canada (and also the U.S. and Mexico).
It’s an issue we find both fascinating and frustrating—so much so that it makes our blood boil. Even our children have picked up on it.
My six-year-old, overhearing our discussions, now insists he doesn’t like U.S. President Trump because of the “exchange” war. I’ve been trying to understand tariffs and the complexities of the trade war.
It’s complicated, yet undeniably important.
Living in Switzerland, we don’t feel the immediate effects, but the global economy will suffer if this drags on.
After all, as the saying goes, “When America sneezes, the whole world catches a cold.”
My mother, now retired, is especially worried. She relies on a U.S. government pension, and if the cost of living rises, she’ll have to stretch an already limited budget.
My brother in Canada, who works at Costco, fears his U.S.-based employer could take a financial hit, jeopardizing his job.
If stock markets plunge and inflation surges, ordinary people—not just in the U.S. and Canada, but worldwide—will bear the brunt of it.
I understand that President Trump wants to prioritize American workers by imposing higher tariffs and bringing factories back home instead of relying on cheap imports.
But can he truly accomplish this within his term?
I’m no economist, but decades of entrenched systems don’t change overnight.
Along the way, there will be sacrifices—especially in international relations, even with trusted allies like Canada.
For billionaires like Trump and his circle, the impact may be negligible. But for people like my mother and brother, the effects will be painfully real.
As an observer (and intercessor) of this trade war, I can only hope both countries find a resolution that benefits their citizens.
Short-term gains should not come at the expense of long-term stability. National strength is a worthy goal, but it shouldn’t cost ordinary people their livelihoods or strain relationships with longtime allies.
After all, in today’s interconnected world, no nation stands alone—what harms one inevitably ripples across borders.
For my mother, my brother, and countless others caught in the crossfire, I hope that diplomacy, fairness, and foresight prevail over division and economic strife.
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