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The breakdown of Canada-U.S. trade negotiations over the weekend puts Canadian businesses in a difficult and uncertain position.
For London and Southwestern Ontario, this is about more than a disagreement between governments. Our economy is deeply connected to the United States through customers, suppliers, critical inputs and cross-border supply chains.
From agriculture and food processing to manufacturing, automotive, logistics and construction, businesses across our region will feel the impact.
The London Chamber of Commerce is calling for a measured, coordinated and business-focused response.
Canadian businesses have already shown remarkable resilience under enormous pressure. The road ahead may get tougher, but we can navigate it if we stay focused, work together and protect the strength of our economy.
And while there may eventually be a path toward a CUSMA review and broader discussions with the United States, the immediate focus should be on protecting Canadian businesses, workers and families and preparing for further disruption.
The impact will be felt here in London
The United States has imposed 50 per cent tariffs on approximately CDN$28 billion in Canadian products, with Canada announcing a dollar-for-dollar response and additional support for affected workers and businesses.
But the impact goes well beyond businesses that directly export to the U.S.
A manufacturer may rely on American customers. A food processor may depend on imported equipment or agricultural inputs. A logistics company may see shipping volumes change. A construction company could face higher material costs. A local supplier could lose business as customers rethink their North American supply chains.
Higher costs, disrupted supply chains, reduced orders and delayed investment can quickly affect local jobs and confidence.
The London Chamber supports Canada's responsibility to protect workers, businesses and our long-term economic interests. But tariffs and counter-tariffs are not a substitute for predictable, rules-based trade.
What governments should do now
We are urging the federal and provincial governments to focus on four priorities:
1. Provide clarity and relief.
Businesses need clear information about affected products, tariff classifications, implementation dates, customs requirements and available exemptions or relief.
2. Deliver targeted support.
Provide working capital, export assistance and workforce measures that help businesses protect jobs, maintain production and keep investing.
3. Strengthen Canada's domestic economy.
We must continue to tackle long-standing barriers to competitiveness, including interprovincial trade barriers, infrastructure gaps and procurement practices that could better support Canadian suppliers.
4. Keep working toward predictable trade while diversifying markets.
Canada should pursue a fair agreement with the United States while helping businesses expand across Canada and into other international markets.
Any Canadian countermeasures should also be carefully targeted. Increasing the cost of essential machinery, components, agricultural inputs or other materials Canadian businesses rely on could make a difficult situation even worse.
Businesses need to prepare — and we need to hear from them
Businesses should be looking at their exposure now, including their customers and suppliers, contracts, product classifications, inventory, financing needs and opportunities to diversify.
We also want to hear from businesses experiencing disruption. Changes in orders, costs, staffing, transportation and investment will help ensure our advocacy reflects what is actually happening on the ground.
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce has launched a time-sensitive survey to help identify what supports Canadian businesses need right now. We encourage London businesses to take a few minutes to complete it:
Complete the Canadian Chamber of Commerce survey
The more information we have from businesses, the stronger our collective advocacy will be.
Canadian businesses have shown their resilience. Now governments, business and communities need to show the same resolve — together
