Calgary Chamber says trade negotiations ‘a tipping point’ in relationship with U.S.
Is the latest round of trade negotiations with the U.S. the "new normal?" That's the question the Calgary Chamber of Commerce says is on the mind of many of its members.
As negotiations over Donald Trump's threat to impose a 50 per cent tariff on many Canadian imports near completion, the Calgary Chamber of Commerce has warned that Alberta business owners are deeply concerned and view the situation as a critical indicator for the future of Canadian-U.S. trade. Ruhee Ismail-Teja, the Chamber's vice president of policy and external affairs, explained that the "uncertainty in the trade relationship" over the past 18 months has led many Canadians to adapt their businesses, focusing more on domestic trade and seeking new markets.
While provincial and federal governments have taken steps to strengthen Canadian businesses, the Chamber noted that many still rely heavily on the U.S. as a major export market. Factors such as tariffs and higher energy prices have negatively impacted business confidence, particularly for those looking to expand outside of Alberta.
The absence of CUSMA (Canada-U.S.-Mexico Free Trade Agreement) exemptions further disrupts businesses, making the long-term outlook uncertain. Ismail-Teja emphasized that all levels of government must now prioritize restoring the Canada-U.S. trade relationship, along with broader goals of regulatory competitiveness, labour mobility, enhanced supply chains, new trade agreements, and exploring export opportunities with other nations.
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