Trade wars have an interesting way of revealing cultural stereotypes.

Countries often propose tariffs not on the most valuable items in their trading relationships—since that would be painful to them as well—but rather on products iconic of national character. A good example of this came in the European Union’s retaliation against U.S. steel tariffs. Among the $3.3 billion in goods it slapped a tariff on in May were Harley-Davidson motorcycles, Kentucky bourbon, and Levi’s jeans.

Now American ketchup is being targeted, both by the EU and Canada. The United States’ northern neighbor imposed a 10-percent tariff on the product in July, while the EU has suggested it would be a part of the next round of retaliatory tariffs, which could go into effect within weeks.

 …