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Tariffs Delayed, but the Fight for Free Trade Continues

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Tariffs Delayed, but the Fight for Free Trade Continues

Tariffs Delayed, but the Fight for Free Trade Continues

President Trump announced the pause on plans for a 25% tariff on Canadian imports, with the exception of energy, which would be subject to a 10% tariff. According to President Trump, this change is due to the Government of Canada's recently announced border security measures, as well as new commitments, such as the appointment of a "Fentanyl Czar" and the creation of a Canada-U.S. Joint Strike Force on border security issues. The tariffs are now delayed for an additional 30 days, conditional on a new economic deal with Canada.

This 30-day delay means more time for Canadian businesses and governments to drive home the point that tariffs between the two closest allies the world has ever known make no sense. The Canadian Chamber, our local Chamber, the Chamber Network across Canada, and businesses across the country will spend every day of it fighting hard to secure this historic, robust trading relationship. Visit the Trade Tracker

We’ve also been gathering Trade and Tariffs Resources for our business community as listed below:

Part of our advocacy includes reducing barriers to Canada's internal trade

The Committee on Internal Trade (CIT) recently discussed key actions to remove regulatory barriers and enhance trade within Canada. Focus areas included the mutual recognition of goods and services, allowing products and services approved in one jurisdiction to be sold across others, and improving labour mobility to make it easier for workers to move between provinces and territories. Learn more with more details on our recommendations here.

We’ll continue to Fight for Free Trade

Across Canada, businesses are feeling the squeeze. Tariffs don’t just disrupt trade — they drive up costs, stall innovation, and put jobs and long-term economic growth at risk. From manufacturing to agriculture, no sector is immune. Now more than ever, Canada needs bold leadership to defend its businesses and workers. The government must be an unapologetic champion for free and fair trade.

The Canadian Chamber is calling for Canada’s leaders to do the unexpected: come together to collaborate and quickly deliver on a new, multipartisan all-in plan. We need unity and leaders to reconvene Parliament so that all parties can address critical roadblocks that have left Canada too dependent on trade with the United States. Priorities for a multipartisan plan need to include: 

  • Deliver on the promise of internal trade so that it’s easier to trade within Canada so that we can build Canada’s economy and resilience from within
  • Build so that modern trade infrastructure is ready to get goods overseas.
  • Reduce red tape so that we can build and build up businesses, without piled up paperwork holding us back.
  • Reduce taxation so that businesses can focus on competing globally while also diversifying trade relationships.

In addition, our Chamber will continue to advocate provincially and federally and also advocate for the CanExport program to open before April as currently stated: https://www.tradecommissioner.gc.ca/funding-financement/canexport/sme-pme/index.aspx?lang=eng in addition to working with organizations to provide resources, funding and tools for business.

A plan that is incremental or siloed won’t rise to this challenge. We need governments, parties and businesses at all levels to boldly tackle it together. The Chamber Network across Canada stands ready across the country to do our part.

Tell Us Your Story
Help us illustrate how tariffs are affecting businesses like yours. Your story can shape the conversation, ensuring our leaders prioritize solutions that protect jobs, businesses, and our global competitiveness. Share Your Story Here

Together, we can ensure Canadian businesses stay competitive and strong. Let’s go all in. Read More

Want event more....

Check out Export Development Canada (EDC) Supports here:

EDC understands the concerns of Canadian businesses and are committed to providing the support and information needed. They are deploying additional capacity to help meet your needs for predictability in the event of continued market fluctuations and trade uncertainty. Here’s how they can help: 

  • Manage volatility in the Canadian dollar exchange rate. They offer solutions that mitigate the risks associated with foreign exchange fluctuations by stabilizing your costs and protecting your profit margins from adverse currency movements.
  • Access more working capital to manage existing contracts or to adapt and evolve your business: EDC guarantees let you access more working capital from your financial institution by taking some of the risk related to your business growth, enabling them to lend you more or release assets held as collateral.
  • Protect against supply chain disruptions and the risk of non-payment of goods shipped to the U.S.: EDC trade credit insurance protects against losses in the event of non-payment from your buyer.
  • Make informed business decisions with U.S. market intelligence and U.S. tariff information: The new U.S. market intelligence hub offers tariff resources and tools, the latest U.S. economic intelligence, and handy links to resources from our network of partners.

Alternatively, you can take this quick assessment to find out how EDC may be able to support your business now and in the future.

Find out why Canada’s biggest trade threat is from below the border: Canada West Foundation News


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