Standing Strong for Hamilton: Navigating U.S. Tariffs Together

· by m.hardill@hamiltonchamber.ca

Dear Hamilton Chamber of Commerce Members,

As President Donald Trump assumes office later today, 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 Hamilton’s economy, given our city’s robust advanced manufacturing sector, which supports over 28,000 jobs—20% higher than the national benchmark.

The Hamilton 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 Hamilton 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 Hamilton’s businesses have access to vital resources, including financial relief, updated trade data, and direct input into policy decisions.

Trade Mission to Washington

In March, the Hamilton Chamber is participating in a trade mission to Washington, D.C., led by the Canadian Chamber, to address challenges in supply chains and uncertainties stemming from proposed tariffs. The mission aims to strengthen Canada-U.S. trade relations, enhance innovation and productivity in manufacturing, and improve supply chain resilience.

Federal Initiatives

On a national level, the Hamilton Chamber is a member of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce Manufacturing and Value Chains Committee representing Hamilton’s interests in the broader context of Canada-U.S. trade.

In response to these challenges, 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/.

Provincial Collaboration

At the provincial level, we have joined the recently created Ontario Chamber of Commerce 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.

Municipal Advocacy Efforts

We are proactively collaborating with the City of Hamilton’s Economic Development team to assess the potential repercussions of these tariffs on our local GDP and export activities. By comprehensively understanding these impacts, we can effectively advocate for our businesses at both the provincial and federal levels. This partnership ensures that Hamilton’s unique economic landscape is represented in broader discussions.

Canada’s Response

Canada’s federal and provincial leaders have expressed a firm stance against the proposed U.S. tariffs, highlighting the intertwined nature of the U.S. and Canadian economies and the potential impact on consumers. Canada is preparing to implement retaliatory “tit-for-tat” tariffs on American products, including steel and orange juice, if necessary. This approach underscores Canada’s commitment to protecting its economic interests and supporting affected industries.

The Hamilton Chamber’s Commitment to You

As these developments unfold, we are here to support you. The Hamilton Chamber is committed to ensuring your concerns are heard and addressed at all levels of government.

We invite you to share your experiences with us—your insights are vital to shaping the advocacy that protects and supports your business.

Together, we will navigate these uncertainties and continue to champion the prosperity of our business community.

– The Hamilton Chamber of Commerce