How Canadian businesses are bracing for Trump tariffs
Jan 27, 2025
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Etienne Borm, President of Etbo Tool & Dye, shares how potential tariffs could disrupt his auto parts business and impact employees in Ontario. Economist Jim Stanford analyzes the broader economic consequences, stressing the critical interdependence of Canadian and U.S. trade. They discuss how family-run businesses prepare for these shifts, the necessity for market diversification, and the implications for sectors like seafood and automotive during challenging times. Together, they highlight the urgent need for strategic responses to trade tensions.
Canadian businesses, heavily reliant on U.S. exports, face potential devastation from proposed tariffs, impacting both operations and job security.
The need for a strategic national response is crucial for Canada to adapt to economic threats while exploring diversification into new markets.
Deep dives
Impact of U.S. Tariffs on Canadian Businesses
The proposed tariffs by the U.S. government threaten to severely impact Canadian businesses, particularly those reliant on exporting goods. For instance, Etienne Borm, president of a tool and dye company, indicates that his entire operation depends on U.S. exports, with even local sales ultimately feeding into the American market. The imposition of a 25% tariff could lead to devastating long-term consequences, prompting companies to reconsider investments in Canada. This shift could consequently threaten the livelihoods of employees and the economic stability of whole communities dependent on export-driven industries.
Interconnectedness of the Seafood Industry
The seafood industry in Canada, particularly in Nova Scotia, faces significant challenges due to its reliance on the U.S. market, which accounts for about 65% of its exports. Osborne Burke, general manager of a fisheries co-op, suggests that tariff increases would not only harm local fishers but could also lead to higher prices for consumers in the U.S., ultimately creating a burden on lower-income Americans. The interconnected nature of the industry means that relationships with U.S. buyers are critical, and any disruptions could diminish these long-standing connections. Additionally, the co-op is actively exploring diversification into markets like China to mitigate potential losses.
Long-Term Strategy for Canadian Economic Resilience
Experts highlight the need for a comprehensive national response to the economic threats posed by U.S. tariffs. Jim Stanford, an economist, emphasizes the potential loss of up to a million jobs and the pressing need for emergency assistance to help affected workers and industries adapt. This situation demands a reevaluation of Canada's economic strategy to focus not only on exports to the U.S. but also on bolstering domestic production and new markets. A shift toward a more resilient economic framework is critical for ensuring long-term stability and growth in Canada's industry, providing essential goods and services within the country.
Donald Trump says the U.S. doesn’t need Canadian exports — is he right? We look at how interconnected the two economies are, and what businesses on this side of the border are doing to prepare for the U.S. president’s threat of 25 per cent tariffs.
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