Canada’s trade relationship with the United States has become much harder to follow in 2026. Tariffs have been announced, delayed, challenged, restored, and expanded across several industries. The latest twist came earlier this month, when U.S. President Donald Trump announced a new 50% tariff on selected Canadian goods without a Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) exemption.
That uncertainty could punish companies that depend heavily on cross-border supply chains. However, it could also make defensive businesses more valuable. That’s why it could be a good idea for long-term investors to focus on Canadian companies with durable demand, solid cash generation, and room to grow even when trade tensions rise.
In this article, I’ll discuss two such Canadian stocks that seem well-positioned to withstand the impact of ongoing trade disputes.
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Agnico Eagle stock
The first stock I’d consider in a trade war environment is Agnico Eagle Mines (TSX: AEM), since gold could remain attractive even when economic and political uncertainty rises.
It’s a Canadian gold producer with mines in Canada, Australia, Finland, and Mexico. Currently, its shares trade at $199.86 per share, giving the company a market capitalization of $100.2 billion. AEM stock has risen 19% over the last year and 190% over three years. It also offers an annualized dividend yield of 1.3%.
The recent strength in Agnico’s shares has mainly been supported by its improving operating margins and strong gold prices. In the first quarter, the company realized an average gold price of US$4,861 per ounce, up sharply from US$2,891 a year earlier. That helped its net profit rise to US$1.7 billion in the latest quarter from just US$815 million a year ago.
Agnico’s cash generation improved, as its operating cash flow surged by nearly 30% year-over-year (YoY) to US$1.3 billion, while free cash flow increased 23% to US$732 million. Those gains came even though the company’s gold production fell to 825,109 ounces from 873,794 ounces.
While the July wall movement at its Barnat open pit adds some near-term risk, Agnico’s long-term growth outlook looks strong. The company expects Hope Bay to produce more than 400,000 ounces annually, while its Finland expansion could create a 500,000-ounce regional hub.
For investors seeking a Canadian stock that could hold up well during periods of trade uncertainty, Agnico Eagle stock remains an attractive long-term choice.
Emera stock
For a more defensive approach to trade tensions, you can also consider Emera (TSX: EMA), as it offers steady demand through regulated electric and gas utilities. This Halifax-based firm serves about 2.7 million customers across Canada, the United States, and the Caribbean.
Following nearly 20% gains over the last year, its shares now trade at $75.54 per share, with a market cap of $23.3 billion. It also carries an annualized dividend yield of 3.8%.
Emera’s first-quarter results showed why regulated utilities could hold up well during economic and trade uncertainty. During the quarter, its adjusted earnings rose 7% YoY to $1.37 per share from $1.28. Similarly, its adjusted net profit climbed 9% to $415 million with the help of stronger results at Emera Energy Services, Peoples Gas, and Tampa Electric.
Meanwhile, the company also deployed more than $870 million of its $4 billion 2026 capital plan and increased operating cash flow by 6%.
Emera is attractive in a trade war because electricity and natural gas demand are essential, while regulated rates could support more predictable earnings. In addition, its growing asset base, solid dividend, and steady capital program make it an even more reliable Canadian stock to consider now.
