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Canadian and US firms brace as new tariffs threaten cross-border sales
A BBC Business survey of affected makers says some businesses rely heavily on US customers, with planned 50% levies starting 8 September.
Cindy Baldassi, who runs Calgary jewelry maker CindyLouWho2, says about 75% of her stone-and-glass sales come from Americans, leaving her exposed to the latest US-Canada tariff escalation after US-Canada trade talks collapsed over the weekend. She expects she may have to raise prices by 50% to stay afloat, which she says could wipe out most of her US sales.
BBC Business reports that Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney pledged 50% tariffs on US products including steel, dairy, appliances, and electronics starting 8 September. The report says Trump tariffs took effect on Saturday, hitting Canadian wine, dairy, cement, clothing, and hockey equipment.
The BBC says the immediate US tariffs apply to about $20 billion of Canadian exports to the US, roughly 5% of what Canada ships to the US annually. It also notes the stakes are higher because 70% of Canadian exports go to the US, and additional rounds could compound impacts for retailers and manufacturers on both sides of the border.