With US President-Elect Donald Trump’s threat to impose 25% tariffs on Canadian goods and services as soon as January 20, 2025, the Langley Chamber is expressing concern and urging provincial and federal government leaders to take advantage of the time until the inauguration to discuss, negotiate and address this threat to Langley and Canada’s economy.  While the threat of tariffs might simply be bluster and or a negotiating tactic, the Langley Chamber is engaging with our provincial and national counterparts to ensure the Government of Canada has a serious response nonetheless.

“A 25% tariff would be disastrous, so we need the Primer Minister and our Premiers to come together and prioritize getting this issue resolved as soon as possible.  We have 54 days until Donald Trump takes office to meet with his team, to galvanize our American counterparts, and to get this off President Trump’s radar,” says Cory Redekop, CEO of the Greater Langley Chamber of Commerce.

Should the US impose the proposed 25% tariffs, the economic impact would be significant.  Two-way trade with the US represents 12.6% of BC’s GDP, and disrupting that would cost billions and billions in economic activity.  For more information on the importance of Canada-US trade, read the recent Canadian Chamber's report "Partners in Prosperity" here >

That said, the impacts would not be felt by Canada alone.  Canada is the top trading partner for 34 US states, including states like Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Nevada, Georgia and North Carolina – politically valuable states for the President-Elect.  And much of Canada-US trade is actually the trade of intermediate parts and components as our supply chains are heavily intertwined, meaning American manufacturers would be impacted.

“I think there needs to be a better understanding from everyone involved on just how mutually-dependent our economies are, the vast positive benefits of this trading relationship, and exactly who will be hurt by tariffs if they actually come to pass,” adds Redekop.

Statement from Canadian Chamber of Commerce:
Being America’s “nice neighbour” won’t get us anywhere in this situation. President-elect Trump’s intention to impose 25% tariffs signals that the U.S.-Canada trade relationship is no longer about mutual benefit. To him, it’s about winners and losers—with Canada on the losing end.  We’re facing a significant shift in the relationship between long-standing allies. Canada’s signature approach needs to evolve: we must be prepared to take a couple of punches if we’re going to stake out our position. It’s time to trade “sorry” for “sorry, not sorry.”
- Candace Laing, President & Chief Executive Officer
 
Statement from BC Chamber of Commerce:
A tariff of this magnitude will have significant consequences for BC businesses of all sizes and will negatively impact communities and workers across British Columbia. “The United States is Canada’s largest trading partner, and we have a long history of cooperation and collaboration on shared interests. The reality is, tariffs on Canadian products will impact businesses and consumers on both sides of the border. Ottawa must take this news seriously and work proactively with representatives of the incoming US administration immediately to address the issue before the tariffs are implemented – we cannot afford to wait until January to take action.
 - Fiona Famulak, President & CEO, BC Chamber of Commerce