The Chatham-Kent Chamber of Commerce is joining the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in calling on the federal government to reconvene Parliament to deal with the threat of U.S. tariffs.
The chambers said the potential harm that tariffs pose to the greenhouse and automotive sectors resonates "deeply" in Chatham-Kent, adding that what happens in our region with the auto and agriculture industries will have significant impact in Chatham-Kent.
The chamber also noted that the significant agricultural sector impacts can mean some challenging times for the area.
Chatham-Kent's agriculture and agri-food system is a vital economic engine, contributing approximately $4 billion annually, according to the CK Chamber.
Chamber officials reported that the greenhouse industry exports up to 90 per cent of its products with a significant portion destined for the U.S. market, emphasizing the importance of maintaining smooth trade relations with our American neighbours.
"The impact of tariffs extends beyond just agricultural products. Tariffs on steel, aluminum, and energy significantly increase input costs for our manufacturers and agricultural producers, hindering their competitiveness. We will see broadening of tariffs increase building costs, and delay capital returns on new investment potentially delaying or cancelling those investments," said Chatham-Kent Chamber of Commerce Board Chair B.J. Griffiths. "However, Chatham-Kent businesses have always been resourceful and resilient. As a Chamber we will continue to support them as they navigate these challenges and advocate for policies that support open and fair trade, which is vital for the continued prosperity of our community"
The Chatham-Kent Chamber of Commerce said it continues to work with colleagues across Canada and in the U.S. to keep our communities viable and prosperous.
"Chatham-Kent is deeply connected to the U.S. economy, as are so many communities across Ontario and Canada, disrupting this vital trade relationship through tariffs would have serious consequences. It's not just about the big numbers; it's about the jobs, businesses, and families here in Chatham-Kent that depend on cross-border trade. We need to strengthen, not break, these mutually beneficial ties to ensure a prosperous future for both our community and our trading partners," Chatham-Kent Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Rory Ring said.
The President and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce is calling for unity at this "pivotal moment", including calling for leaders to reconvene parliament so that all parties can address critical roadblocks that have left Canada too dependent on trade with the United States.
Candace Laing said priorities for a plan need to include the following:
1. Deliver on the promise of internal trade so that it’s easier to trade within Canada so that we can build Canada’s economy and resilience from within.
2. Build so that modern trade infrastructure is ready to get goods overseas.
3. Reduce red tape so that we can build and build up businesses, without piled up paperwork holding us back.
4. Reduce taxation so that businesses can focus on competing globally while also diversifying trade relationships.
“We need to send a strong message to President Trump and the world that we will rise to this occasion, as a unified Canada. Tariffs tomorrow instead of tariffs today still leave businesses, workers and families in the lurch," said Laing, adding that $3.6 billion in trade every day "hangs in the balance."
The President and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce said President Trump’s announcement of 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum is a "serious blow" to Canada’s steel and aluminum industries, workers, the communities they support, and our economy.
Daniel Tisch noted Canada’s 9,500 aluminum workers supply essential materials to over 700,000 American manufacturing jobs, driving $228 billion in U.S. economic output.
Tisch added with 90 per cent of Canadian steel exports destined for the U.S., these tariffs will disrupt supply chains, harm North American manufacturers, and put thousands of jobs at risk on both sides of the border.
“Tariffs on steel, aluminum, and auto parts would not only raise costs for manufacturers, but threaten jobs and investment across our region. We stand with our automotive partners and advocate for policies that ensure their continued success, as their success is inextricably linked to our own," he said.
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce noted tariffs are the most urgent threat facing Canadian and American businesses today, suggesting that these tariffs would come at a huge economic cost, reducing real annual income by $1,900 CAD per Canadian and $1,300 USD per American.
“Tariffs are a lose-lose. They would raise business costs, reduce North America’s international competitiveness, and ultimately increase consumer prices at a time when Canadians and Americans are both struggling with significant affordability challenges,” said Canadian Chamber of Commerce Chief Economist Stephen Tapp.
According to the Canadian Chamber, Canada is the largest export market for 34 states, reaching all the way to Mississippi and Florida with each province and territory having its own "special trade relationship" with many American states.