Ontario Chamber of Commerce Response:

10 Tips for Ontario SMEs:

https://occ.ca/wp-content/uploads/10-Steps-to-Navigate-the-US-Tariffs_OCC.pdf

At the provincial level, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce has created the Ontario Business & Trade Leadership Coalition. The coalition brings together industry leaders to develop solutions, advocate for policies, and ensure Ontario businesses stay globally competitive by addressing the impacts of U.S. tariffs. This includes strengthening cross-border relations and providing guidance to navigate trade challenges to develop strategies that mitigate adverse impacts and offer relief.

The OCC has also elevated an historic call for the dismantling of interprovincial trade barriers:

https://occ.ca/mediareleases/canadas-provincial-chambers-unite-to-urge-premiers-to-dismantle-internal-trade-barriers/

Trade Commissioner

https://www.tradecommissioner.gc.ca/en.html

November 13, 2025

Review Our USTR Submission Here

September 23, 2025

Expectations and strategic responses, third quarter of 2025: This paper examines anticipated impacts on sales, business uncertainty, and selling prices, while highlighting the strategic adjustments businesses are planning in order to navigate this uncertain environment. To provide a comprehensive analysis of broader trends across the entire business sector, survey findings are examined not only for businesses that export to or import from the United States but also for all businesses in Canada.

July 31st, 2025

“The White House fact sheet should be called a fact-less sheet when it comes to basing trade decisions about Canada on the fentanyl emergency. More fact-less tariff turbulence does not advance North American economic security. Businesses — in Canada and the U.S. — urgently need certainty.

The Carney government is right to prioritize a strong, future-focused deal over a rushed one. A little more time now can deliver lasting benefits for an integrated North American economy — and that’s well worth the wait.

In the meantime, we have CUSMA, which, at present, is still being honoured, leaving much of our cross-border trade tariff-free. However, not all Canadian businesses have this advantage and the jump to 35% tariffs on non-CUSMA compliant products places an additional load on them.”

Candace Laing, President and CEO, Canadian Chamber of Commerce

June 2, 2025

The Chamber continues to monitor the ongoing saga of the US Tariffs. This article from May 31st helps to capture some of the back and forth as the US President’s decisions are challenged in court, and appealed.

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/investing/personal-finance/article-canada-countertariffs-businesses-tariffs-exemptions/

The Chamber is in regular communication with many of its members, and the Economic Development teams of the City of Brantford and County of Brant regarding updates to strategy and tools for the business community. Please reach out to the Chamber directly with your thoughts and ideas: chamber@chamberbrantfordbrant.com

March 21, 2025

Stronger Together

Why the Chamber Exists – Why You Belong

In his recent address to the Oakville Chamber of Commerce, Governor Tiff Macklem of the Bank of Canada highlighted that “structural change is upon us,” emphasizing the profound impact of potential trade conflicts on our economy. Such developments introduce significant uncertainty for businesses, underscoring the need for clarity, connection, and a collective voice.

The Chamber of Commerce Brantford-Brant is more than just a network—it’s a pillar of strength for businesses navigating change. We advocate on your behalf to ensure policies support business growth and economic resilience. We connect you with like-minded leaders, decision-makers, and industry experts to foster collaboration and create new opportunities. And we provide insights to help you stay ahead, offering the latest intelligence on the economy, workforce trends, and innovation.

More than ever, belonging matters. Your Chamber is a place where businesses come together to collaborate, share knowledge, and build a stronger, more resilient community. Through exclusive insights, high-impact events, and direct advocacy, we help businesses thrive—not just survive.

Now is the time to lean in. Let’s ensure that no business navigates uncertainty alone. Together, we can build a stronger, more connected business community.

Engage. Advocate. Thrive. This is why we exist. This is why you belong.

Thank you for your continued support and commitment to the Chamber community. It is your engagement, your voice, and your participation that make our business community stronger. We look forward to standing with you in the months ahead.

March 12, 2025

In a new reversal on tariffs, President Trump signed two executive orders on March 6 that temporarily suspended tariffs on various Canadian and Mexican goods that had taken effect just two days prior. After Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced a 25% surcharge on electricity exports to the United States and the U.S. responded by doubling tariffs on steel and aluminum to 50%, these measures are now on hold. The situation remains fluid, and we will continue to monitor developments closely. We will endeavour to continue to keep you informed regarding the latest major tariff developments. For the time being, please see below updates on 1) U.S. tariffs, 2) Canadian counter measures, and 3) Finance Canada’s consultation on the second phase of Canada’s tariff response.

The Canadian Chamber team is closely tracking the latest developments in the U.S., as well as the various responses to the U.S. tariffs by the Canadian federal and provincial governments. Notably, the Canadian Chamber leadership team was also on the ground in Washington D.C. last week to directly make the case against the U.S. tariffs and meet with partners and policy makers to advocate for the interests of Canadian industry.

We remain very interested in hearing your thoughts and concerns on the latest tariff developments. If you are planning to share your feedback on Canada’s counter tariffs through Finance’s consultation, please also share your feedback with us. Understanding your tariff concerns will help the Canadian Chamber ensure that our advocacy is aligned with your priorities.

Ontario businesses face continued uncertainty amid unstable U.S. trade policy | OCC

1) U.S. tariff updates

• Tariff exemptions for CUSMA compliant Canadian imports into the U.S. until April 2. President Trump announced on March 3 that the tariffs he threatened under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), namely, 25% across-the-board tariffs & the 10% energy tariff, would enter into force on March 4 at 12:01 a.m. However, on March 6, President Trump signed an Executive Order that temporarily suspended these tariffs on Canadian goods that claim and qualify for CUSMA preference until April 2 (see the related Fact Sheet for more information). Notably, any tariffs that were collected from March 4-6 will not be refunded.

According to a White House official that briefed reporters, only 38% of imports from Canada used CUSMA preferences last year whereas 50% of imports by Mexico did. These figures reflect the fact that the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) tariffs via the WTO were 0% or relatively low at the time and there was therefore often not a need for Canadian exporters to utilize tariff preference under CUSMA to ship to the U.S. It is expected that there will now be a shift towards using the CUSMA preference to avoid the tariffs. Economists have come up with different numbers for how many goods the tariff suspension could affect. According to calculations by the Peterson Institute for International Economics, about 85% percent of U.S. merchandise imports from Canada and Mexico may be eligible for preferential tariffs under CUSMA.

Finance Canada is interpreting ‘CUSMA-compliant’ trade based on whether companies claim CUSMA preferential treatment when exporting goods to the U.S. (i.e. by completing the necessary trade documentation for CUSMA tariff rates) and whether they meet the CUSMA rules of origin provisions. Additionally, according to Finance Canada, transitioning from Most Favored Nation (MFN) status to CUSMA preference may not be overly burdensome for many companies, as they may already be complying with CUSMA’s rules of origin requirements.

• Other tariff exemptions and adjustments. In addition to the exemption for CUSMA compliant Canadian imports, the following temporary exemptions and adjustments to the IEEPA tariffs against Canada are now in place:

• There is a lower 10% tariff on any potash imported from Canada and Mexico that falls outside the CUSMA preference.

• On March 5, the White House announced that a 30 day tariff exemption would be granted for vehicles made in compliance with USMCA “so they are not at an economic disadvantage.”

• On March 2, an Executive Order was issued that creates a temporary exception for goods eligible for duty-free de minimis treatment from Canada (e.g. shipments valued at less than $800). Per the Executive Order, this exemption will cease to be available once adequate systems have been put in place to collect tariff revenues.

• Steel and aluminum tariffs (25%) to double – taking effect on March 12. On February 10, President Trump “restored” Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum that the U.S. had imposed in 2018, raising the aluminum tariff rate to 25% to match the steel tariff rate. According to the President, the tariffs will go into effect on March 12. On March 11, President Trump made post on Truth Social indicating that the tariffs against Canadian steel and aluminum would double to 50% in response to Ontario’s surcharge on electricity supplied to neighbouring states. The situation remains highly fluid, especially as the Canadian government is expected to respond to this escalation.

The U.S. Federal register notices for tariffs on steel and aluminum have been published. These include extended lists of targeted derivative products. Notably, the scope products covered is substantially larger than the scope of products covered in the steel and aluminum tariffs from 2018. Even if your exports were not impacted by U.S. tariffs in 2018, it is important to verify whether your businesses might be impacted by the latest tariffs by checking the tariff codes in the federal register notices. Many downstream products likely will be impacted (e.g. auto parts, furniture, gym equipment, etc.)

2) Canada’s retaliatory tariffs and other responsive measures

• The federal government’s initial retaliatory measures to proceed. On March 4, the Canadian federal government confirmed that it is moving forward as expected with its plan for 25% tariffs on $155 billion worth of imported goods, beginning immediately with a list of goods worth $30 billion. The $30 billion list of tariffed goods is unchanged from the list that was announced on February 1 and will proceed as planned. The scope of the Canadian counter tariffs will be increased to $155 billion if the current U.S. tariffs are maintained. The larger list includes products such as electric vehicles, fruits and vegetables, beef, pork, dairy, electronics, steel, aluminum, trucks, and buses. Notably, Canada’s tariffs only apply to goods originating from the U.S., which shall be considered as those goods eligible to be marked as a good of the U.S. in accordance with the Determination of Country of Origin for the Purpose of Marking Goods (CUSMA Countries) Regulations. The government has also announced a remission framework to help importers who may need to seek transitional relief from tariffs. Additionally, the government is also considering non-tariff measures, potentially relating to North American security and energy security.

• New federal supports for impacted businesses. On March 7, the federal government announced a new $6 billion support package to help businesses navigate U.S. tariff related disruptions. Notably these measures include temporarily relaxing rules around a program that allows employees to receive partial EI benefits while working reduced hours, updated Investment Canada Act Guidelines, and measures to ensure businesses have liquidity (e.g. Trade Impact Program through EDC, loans via BDC, and financing via Farm Credit Canada for Canadian ag and food industry).

• Provincial non-tariff retaliatory measures. All provincial governments have announced non-tariff counter measures in response to the U.S. tariffs. Such measures include taking U.S. liquor off store shelves, restricting U.S.-based companies from taking part in government procurement, financial assistance for impacted businesses, and also implementing a 25% surcharge on electricity supplied to neighbouring states in the case of Ontario.

3) Finance Canada’s consultation on counter tariffs

Finance Canada has launched its 21-day consultation on the second phase of Canada’s tariff response (25% tariffs on $125 billion worth of imported goods). The consultation webpage can be viewed here.

The government is seeking views on the proposed tariff measures, including the scope of goods targeted by Canada’s second phase of counter tariffs. The list of potential goods that might be tariffed can be viewed here. Notably, this list of goods is cumulatively valued at approximately $200 billion, whereas the second phase of retaliatory tariffs is intended to only capture $125 billion worth of goods. This disparity has been acknowledged by Finance Canada and points to the fact that there is presently flexibility regarding goods the government might remove from its counter tariff list.

Input on tariff measures should be provided by completing this form. If you wish to provide additional information not included in the form, as well as any additional views or comments you would like to provide on Canada’s tariff response, you can also e-mail consultations@fin.gc.ca, and include “U.S. Tariff Consultations” in the subject line. While the notice period ends on April 2, the Government may need to respond to additional tariff threats from the United States before this date. Should the U.S. impose additional tariffs on Canada, the government would consider all options in response.

If you are planning to share your feedback on the counter tariffs through this consultation, please also share your feedback with us. Understanding your tariff concerns will help the Canadian Chamber ensure that our advocacy is aligned with your priorities.

Note: The $125 billion retaliatory tariff package is presently linked to the 25% and 10% IEEPA tariffs. If the section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum take effect this week, the Canadian government will respond with a separate retaliatory package that may draw from the existing lists.

Thank you for your engagement. We will keep you informed of future developments.

Canadian Chamber of Commerce

March 11, 2025

“Today’s announcement is incredibly destructive. This series of escalations is quickly hitting a ceiling where Americans and Canadians are set to feel the hurt. The stock market volatility is a glaring signal that this economic chaos must end.

Canadian steel and aluminum aren’t a nice to have for the U.S., they’re a need to have — literally. These two Canadian metals are the infrastructure that holds up and holds together American defence, homes, cars, energy and countless other symbols of security and strength. Without Canadian steel and aluminum, the U.S. won’t have enough of either metal to satisfy the needs of its demanding economy — or build the bright “golden age” President Trump has promised.

This policy is proven to fail. The last time these sectors were tariffed during President Trump’s first term, there was a net loss of tens of thousands of American blue-collar jobs. And that was at 25% tariffs on steel and 10% on aluminum.

Both the increase and the potential of compounding tariffs will make this go-around significantly more painful and more expensive.

Steel and aluminum are about strength; these tariffs do nothing but weaken us both. President Trump may as well hand over North America’s steel and aluminum leadership to China.

Instead of adding taxes on taxes and more uncertainty to the mix, we must move away from tariffs and toward a lasting agreement on trade that is respected on all sides.

Candace Laing, President and CEO, Canadian Chamber of Commerce

March 4th, 2025:

Statement by Candace Laing, President & CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce:

“Today’s reckless decision by the U.S. administration is forcing Canada and the U.S. toward recessions, job losses and economic disaster.

The U.S. government’s self-defeating tariff policy disregards decades of success and trillions in trade to try and revive a failed economic model from the 1800s. Tariffs are a tax on the American people. Rather than bringing back affordability or creating a “golden age” for business, tariffs will cost consumers at the checkout, cost producers more at every point along the supply chain, and force businesses to find alternate suppliers that are less reliable than Canadian ones.

The U.S. can claim this policy is about hitting Canada where it hurts, but it will soon see the disastrous impacts at home in cities like Detroit, Pittsburgh, and Louisville. The U.S. can save its people from pain by stopping to reassess, as it did in 2018 when it realized the true cost of steel and aluminum tariffs was paid by American manufacturers.

As for us, now is the time to double down on protecting our economic sovereignty and security. Recent announcements from the federal and provincial governments on internal trade are steps in the right direction, but what we do in this moment can’t be incremental, it must be transformational. To build a resilient, self-reliant and future-proof economy, we need to diversify our trade partners, revamp the tax and regulatory system, and do even more to streamline internal trade.

Canada is resource and talent rich. Our economic future is ours to determine — it’s time to join our economic strategy with concrete action to not only minimize the short-term damage but to chart a more prosperous path long-term.”

February 11th Update:

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce Business Data Lab is monitoring the very fluid situation. Please read this blog post for an updated analysis:

https://chamber.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/CMA_Blog.pdf

February 5th Update:

Chamber of Commerce Brantford-Brant:

The Chamber is in daily contact with the City and County leadership, and many of our members to understand the impact and prepare for next steps. It is increasingly essential that a renewed focus on the regional economy to build resiliency and improve business conditions must be a priority for all levels of government.

Canadian Chamber of Commerce “All in Canada” Statement: https://chamber.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/All-In-Canada-Plan-CL-0205.pdf

What the Canadian Chamber is Doing:

• Fighting for Permanent Tariff Removal – The CCC and its network are using every day of this extension to push for a permanent resolution, ensuring tariffs are taken off the table for good. Tariffs only serve to raise costs for businesses and consumers on both sides of the border.

• Highlighting Economic Impact – The CCC’s Canada-U.S. Trade Tracker continues to illustrate the importance of this trade relationship—$3.6 billion in daily trade is at stake. Some provinces and communities face a significant economic blow if these measures remain.

• Advocating for Economic Stability – The CCC is pressing the U.S. and Canadian governments to build on our integrated supply chains rather than disrupt them. Canada and the U.S. make things together, and trade policies should reflect that reality.

Ontario Chamber of Commerce:

What the Ontario Chamber is Doing:

• Ontario Business & Trade Leadership Coalition – A coalition of leaders from Ontario’s trade-dependent sectors has been formed to advise government and support business competitiveness. An emergency meeting with Premier Ford took place on February 3rd.

• Pan-Canadian Advocacy on Interprovincial Trade – The OCC has been leading a nationwide push to dismantle interprovincial trade barriers, coordinating efforts with provincial chambers and federal leaders, including the Hon. Anita Anand, Minister of Economic Development.

• U.S. Advocacy – The OCC has been actively engaging with U.S. chambers to reinforce the importance of trade with Ontario and Canada. Next week, OCC President & CEO Daniel Tisch will join Premier Ford in Washington as he addresses the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and meets with senior American business leaders.

February 3rd Update:

The Chamber is working with the City of Brantford and County of Brant Economic Development departments to develop local responses, stay tuned to this page and our Chamber e-news and social media channels for more information.

The City of Brantford’s Page: https://www.advantagebrantford.ca/en/data-centre/us-trade.aspx

The updated Canadian Chamber of Commerce Response can be found here:

Canada/US Trade Tracker: https://businessdatalab.ca/canada-u-s-trade-tracker/

The Toronto Board of Trade has an excellent summary of the issues and impact:

https://bot.com/News/Talking-Points-Cross-Border-Trade?&utm_content=TP_CrossBorderBlog&_cldee=ze3VbeNu3WOlVWVZUWbinsQUdijvkDwtt-6-bVlq6smt8Xa29g5_1a9fZjWk7FzE&recipientid=contact-f1bb9188b522eb1180eb000d3a0f728a-62fd213cc99640e986f040b20e383ce9&esid=4cb0941d-acd2-ef11-a72e-6045bd5fdc95

January 30th Update:

The Chamber supports the initiatives of the provinces, federal government, and Canadian Chamber of Commerce in its efforts to reduce interprovincial barriers to internal trade. See more here:

https://chamber.ca/news/canadian-chamber-statement-on-the-urgent-need-to-prioritize-internal-trade/

A reminder: The Chamber wants to hear your stories, challenges, and opportunities. Please reach out David here:

January 20th, 2025

Dear Members,

As President Donald Trump assumes office this week, we recognize the significant concerns surrounding his administration’s threat of a 25% tariff on all goods imported into the U.S. from Canada.

These proposed tariffs pose a substantial threat to our region’s economy, given our region’s manufacturing and logistics sectors.

The Chamber of Commerce has consistently been at the forefront of advocating for local businesses during times of significant challenge. Six years ago, when U.S. tariffs on steel threatened millions of dollars in investments and jeopardized approximately 9,000 steel manufacturing and production jobs, the Chamber took decisive action to mitigate the impact.

Today, as our economy faces a new and significant threat, the Chamber remains committed to advocating for our business community, working closely with federal, provincial, and municipal partners to address these emerging challenges and to mitigate their economic impact as outlined below.

Our advocacy ensures Brantford-Brant’s businesses have access to vital resources, including financial relief, updated trade data, and direct input into policy decisions.

Federal Initiatives

On a national level, the Canadian Chamber’s Business Data Lab has introduced the Canada-U.S. Trade Tracker, a tool designed to help businesses, policymakers, and stakeholders better understand and strengthen our world-class trade relationship: https://businessdatalab.ca/canada-u-s-trade-tracker/

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Provincial Collaboration

At the provincial level, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce has created the Ontario Business & Trade Leadership Coalition. The coalition brings together industry leaders to develop solutions, advocate for policies, and ensure Ontario businesses stay globally competitive by addressing the impacts of U.S. tariffs. This includes strengthening cross-border relations and providing guidance to navigate trade challenges to develop strategies that mitigate adverse impacts and offer relief.

https://occ.ca/mediareleases/obtlc/