In your answer, it is not necessary to include all points mentioned here. Students are advised to select and organize relevant content based on the provided editorial and the allocated word limit.

Answer Length Guide:

150 words – 10 marker
200–225 words – 15 marker
300 words – 20 marker
350 words – 25 marker
Essay-type answers – 1000 to 1200 words

Past Questions

GS Paper II – International Relations – 2018: “Discuss the implications of protectionist trade policies on global alliances.” This editorial critiques U.S. tariffs on Canada.
GS Paper III – Indian Economy – 2017: “Examine India’s economic relations with its neighbors.” This editorial references India-Nepal trade disruptions.

Probable UPSC Mains Questions

GS Paper II – International Relations – Q1: “Evaluate the impact of U.S. tariffs on U.S.-Canada relations.”
GS Paper III – Indian Economy – Q2: “How can India learn from U.S.-Canada trade disputes?”
GS Paper II – Governance & Reforms – Q3: “Discuss the role of trade policies in shaping alliances.”
GS Paper IV – Ethics and Human Interface – Q4: “Examine ethical challenges in protectionist trade policies.”

Introduction (Sets the context with a striking fact and three sentences to outline the issue, highlight developments, and state significance, ensuring clarity and relevance for high marks.)
On July 10, 2025, U.S. President Trump imposed a 35% tariff on Canadian imports, despite ongoing trade talks. Canada’s $63 billion trade surplus and alleged fentanyl inflows are cited as reasons. The move risks straining a key alliance, echoing India-Nepal’s 2015 trade fallout. Diplomatic resolutions are vital to preserve U.S.-Canada ties.

Keywords / Important Terms (Using technical terms catches the evaluator’s eye, demonstrating precise knowledge and alignment with UPSC’s analytical expectations for top scores.)

35% Tariff: U.S. levy on Canadian imports, August 2025.
USMCA: 2018 trade agreement, likely exempt.
Trade Surplus: Canada’s $63 billion advantage.
Fentanyl: U.S. claims minimal Canadian role (0.1%).
Digital Services Tax: Canada’s rescinded 3% levy.
India-Nepal 2015: Trade disruption precedent.
G-7 Summit: June 2025 trade talk deadline.

Flowchart (Visualizes complex dynamics, enhancing conceptual clarity, which impresses evaluators by showing structured thinking.)

Purpose: To map U.S.-Canada tariff impacts.
Triggers: 35% tariff, trade surplus, fentanyl claims.
Linkages: Tariffs → strained ties → trade diversification.
Outcomes: Economic strain, alliance risk, or resolution.

Core Issues / Root Causes (Identifying systemic issues with examples demonstrates depth, critical for scoring high by showcasing analytical rigor.)

Protectionism: U.S. tariffs target trade deficit.
Misplaced Blame: Fentanyl claims lack evidence (0.1% via Canada).
Trade Talks Disruption: Tariffs despite G-7 agreements.
Historical Precedent: India-Nepal 2015 trade collapse.

Impact Analysis (Multi-dimensional analysis with examples shows comprehensive understanding, boosting marks by addressing diverse aspects.)

Economic: Higher prices for U.S. consumers, Canadian exports hit.
Diplomatic: Strains U.S.-Canada alliance, pushes Canada to EU, Asia.
Social: Risks public resentment, similar to Nepal’s 2015 reaction.
Global: Disrupts USMCA, global trade dynamics.
Ethical: Undermines trust in allied relations.

Government Schemes / Policy Interventions (Linking specific schemes to issues shows policy awareness, earning marks for practical relevance.)

USMCA: Needs enforcement to exempt compliant goods.
Canada’s Border Plan: Fentanyl czar, $1.3 billion security investment.
G-7 Agreements: Strengthen trade talk frameworks.

Way Forward / Solutions (Feasible, structured solutions reflect forward-thinking, impressing evaluators with actionable insights.)

Resume Talks: Honor G-7 trade deadlines.
Exempt USMCA Goods: Clarify tariff scope.
Address Fentanyl: Joint U.S.-Canada border security.
Diversify Trade: Canada to deepen EU, Asia ties.
Learn from History: Avoid India-Nepal 2015 errors.

Ethical Dimensions (Highlighting ethical aspects aligns with GS Paper IV, enhancing marks by showing ethical sensitivity.)

Fairness: Avoid punitive tariffs on allies.
Trust: Uphold commitments to trade partners.

Conclusion (Summarizes key elements, offers a positive, visionary opinion, and reiterates the introduction’s sentiment with a mature, impactful tone for higher scores.)
U.S. tariffs strain Canada’s vital trade partnership. Diplomatic talks and USMCA enforcement can resolve tensions. Strong alliances ensure mutual economic prosperity.

Editorials