The Decibel How three Canadian businesses have coped with Trump’s tariffs
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Dec 9, 2025 In this enlightening discussion, Matt Lundy, the Economics Editor at The Globe and Mail, delves into the harsh realities faced by Canadian manufacturers grappling with U.S. tariffs. He highlights how these tariffs, especially on steel and autos, have caused significant sales drops—like Arctic Snowplows' staggering 40% decline. Lundy also reveals coping strategies companies are employing, such as shifting to domestic sales and seeking faster government support. With ongoing uncertainty about tariffs, the future of trade remains a critical concern for Canadian businesses.
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Snowplow Maker Hit By Metal Tariffs
- Jim Estill of Arctic Snowplows described making plows from raw metal and selling across Canada and the northern US.
- He said US tariffs on steel raised costs by about $500 on a $10,000 plow and cut US sales roughly 40%.
Manufacturing's Shrinking Share Heightens Vulnerability
- Manufacturing has declined from 16% to under 9% of Canada's output, leaving 1.5 million workers.
- This long-term decline makes the sector especially vulnerable to new tariff shocks.
Which Tariffs Matter Most
- Tariffs fall into three buckets: most resource exports are exempt, sectoral metal/autos tariffs exist, and a 35% so-called "fentanyl" tariff hits non‑origin-compliant goods.
- Steel and aluminum sectoral tariffs are the main worry for manufacturers.