Following the failure of the United States and Canada to reach a trade resolution by the August 1 deadline and the imposition of increased tariffs on non-USMCA covered Canadian goods, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce and the Michigan Chamber of Commerce today issued the following joint statement:
“Ontario and Michigan have one of the most deeply integrated relationships in the world. This corridor is essential to the U.S. and Canadian economies, and its stability is paramount for shared future success. Our supply chains are inextricably linked, making the impact of trade uncertainty profound for businesses, workers, investors, and communities.
“Our chambers are deeply concerned that without a jointly negotiated settlement, escalating tariffs and prolonged instability will continue to disrupt critical sectors, from automotive and advanced manufacturing to agriculture and logistics.
“Businesses do not need new barriers; they need clarity and confidence. The Michigan and Ontario chambers urge the U.S. and Canada to remain at the negotiating table to resolve the immediate trade issues, and then to move swiftly on an orderly review of the USMCA – yielding an agreement that prepares our interdependent North American economy to compete and win against our global competitors.”
U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday that increases tariffs from 25 per cent to 35 per cent on Canadian goods that don’t comply with the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).
Michigan and Ontario form a leading trade corridor between Canada and the United States, with notably significant connections via the integrated auto sector in North America. The Ambassador Bridge between Windsor and Detroit accounts for the largest volume of cross-border truck shipments.
(Dreamstime photo of the Ambassador Bridge)