In the escalating trade dispute with its largest trading partner, the United States, Canada has several strategic options at its disposal to exert pressure and protect its economy. As the top customer for 26 American states, including Maine, Michigan, and Wisconsin, Canada holds significant influence in the US market. Prime Minister Mark Carney's planned retaliatory duties focus on steel, dairy, appliances, agricultural equipment, electronics, pulp and paper, though the list is still being finalized. The Finance Department has announced additional measures to protect workers and businesses on Tuesday. One area where Canada can apply economic pressure is energy. Prime Minister Carney noted that Canada supplies the majority of US natural gas and electricity imports and about 60% of crude oil imports, although this is not currently part of the countermeasures. Ford, Ontario Premier and a vocal critic of Trump, has suggested an "energy surcharge" could be on the table. Canada is also a major source of essential commodities like potash, lithium, nickel, and graphite. The US is Canada's top destination for overall mineral exports, another point where Ottawa can apply pressure. Ford has stated that the US "won't get a grain of sand out of Ontario." Canada has already demonstrated its ability to cause economic pain in the U.S., as shown by the alcohol boycott implemented by most provinces in response to US tariffs, which resulted in significant losses for the American wine and spirits industries. The travel boycott has also resulted in a loss of about C$3.3bn ($2.35bn; £1.75bn) in revenue for the US last year. Timing and Canadian political will could be crucial tools for negotiations, as Canadians are broadly supportive of Ottawa's decision to drive a hard bargain against the Trump administration. A recent poll by Angus Reid indicated that 76% of Canadians support Canada's decision to walk away from trade negotiations even as they worry for their own job security. The US midterm elections are fast approaching, with the economy front and center for voters and the Republican hold on Congress looking tenuous.