What the US-Canada Trade Breakdown Means for Your Association

What happened

By now, you’ve likely seen the news: trade talks between Canada and the United States broke down late Friday night, and steep new tariffs are already in effect. 

Now, Canadian businesses across many sectors and product categories face 50% tariffs on goods they ship to the United States, pricing many Canadian products out of the American market. These tariffs will apply to CAD $28B of goods, roughly 5% of all products Canada exports to the United States. 

Canada has said it will respond in kind, with matching tariffs on American goods entering the country beginning September 8, concentrated in sectors like steel, dairy, appliances, agricultural equipment, pulp and paper, and electronics. 

What it means for Canadians

While the details continue to unfold, we know for certain that prices will rise for consumers on both sides of the border. We also know that many Canadians in a range of industries and professions are worried about their jobs, about putting food on the table and fuel in their car. 

Where associations come in

This is exactly the kind of moment associations exist for. Over the past 18 months, association executives have led discussions with governments at the federal, provincial, and municipal levels about how best to respond to this challenge. Hard hit sectors have adapted and found common ground across business competitors, between workers and business owners, and vendors and customers to navigate a concerning new reality. As a result, billions of dollars have been redirected from American products to Canadian businesses, funds have flowed to workers and businesses in hard hit sectors, and policies have changed to respond to pressure from the United States at every turn. 

Get the answers you need

This is a critical moment for our sector. Association leaders like you shape perspectives among your membership and turn your members’ concerns into action. 

This is exactly why we launched the Tariff Talks Series: a space for you to get direct answers when it matters most. This Thursday, August 27 at 12:00 PM ET, we’re bringing in the experts from First Lake Solutions to unpack what this trade breakdown means for your association and your sector, and to answer your questions in real time. This roundtable is open to the whole community – members and non-members alike.

CSAE is here to help you navigate what comes next. We’re staying close to these developments and will keep you informed as things evolve. In the meantime, know that Canadian associations have shown, again and again, that when we act together, we move the needle for the sectors and communities we serve.