Today’s announcement of new tariffs imposed by the U.S. on Canadian goods is deeply concerning for businesses across Brampton. These tariffs will threaten jobs, disrupt supply chains, and undermine the strong economic ties that have long benefited both countries. Economists on both sides of the border agree that the U.S. government’s tariff policy will throw away trillions mutually beneficial trade to instead tax their own citizens while misguidedly trying to attack their most important economic partner (analysis from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce may be found here).
The U.S. government can claim this policy is about protecting American jobs, but it will shortly be feeling the catastrophic impact of their policies at home where it’s predicted that there will be layoffs in sectors such as automotive as soon as this week. Even if decision makers are choosing to ignore the obvious, businesses know the true costs of raw materials, energy, and the impact of taxing every element of their supply chain, sometimes multiple times as components cross borders more than once. Let’s hope that this pain will result in a more rational approach such as accelerating the review of the USMCA in an open and solutions-focussed manner that will maintain long-term economic stability and increased productivity.
In the meantime the Brampton Board of Trade has already taken several steps to understand and address the concerns of local businesses that will be affected. We have launched a survey to gather insights on the potential impact of these tariffs, consulted directly with businesses to hear their challenges, and have worked closely with the City of Brampton to ensure our collective voice is part of the broader community response. In addition, we have reached out to Boards and Chambers of Commerce in the U.S., urging them to educate their elected officials on the harmful consequences of these tariffs. Our ‘Built in Brampton’ campaign continues to showcase the incredible products manufactured in our city, emphasizing the importance of our industry while encouraging both consumers and businesses to shop local and support jobs in our city.
But there is more work to do. The Brampton Board of Trade remains committed to:
- Advocating at all levels of government to secure the necessary supports that will help businesses navigate this challenging period
- Engaging with provincial and federal representatives to remove inter-provincial trade barriers and thus further facilitating a ‘Buy Canadian’ approach
- Providing businesses with the resources they need to diversify supply chains and expand into new markets through our Trade Network and other programming, leveraging Brampton’s strategic position as a gateway for global trade
- Collaborating with our members and partners to strengthen economic resiliency and build greater independence for our industries
To effectively weather and push back against these tariffs we need the support of our business community. We urge local businesses to speak up and share their concerns so we can better advocate on their behalf. Completing our survey ensures that your voice is included in our response. Additionally, we invite businesses to join the Brampton Board of Trade—not just to support our work but to help us shape and implement the strategies needed to protect and grow Brampton’s economy. By working together, we can develop stronger, more effective solutions that address these challenges head-on.
Success in this effort will not only shield our businesses from the immediate harm of these tariffs but will also result in a more resilient economy – one with stronger trade partnerships, greater diversity in markets, and a more productive and competitive business environment than ever before.
Brampton’s economy thrives on trade and partnership. We must stand together to ensure our businesses remain competitive and our city remains a strong player in the global market. Let’s make our voices heard and protect Brampton’s economic future.
Jaipaul Massey-Singh
CEO, Brampton Board of Trade
