Business Resources: U.S. Tariffs
On February 1, 2025 President Trump imposed a 25 per cent tariff on all imports from Canada. These tariffs will negatively impact Canada's economy, increasing costs, disrupting deeply integrated supply chains that cannot be unwound without severe economic damage to both nations. U.S. tariffs will have far-reaching consequences for businesses and families on both sides of the border, and we are committed to mitigating their impact. That same day Prime Minister Trudeau announced that Canada would retaliate with a 25 per cent tariff impacting $155 billion U.S. goods entering Canada. On February 4, 2025 the tariffs were paused for 30-days as the U.S. administration and Canada continue to negotiate.
Ottawa Strong
The Ottawa Board of Trade is committed to working closely with business leaders locally and across Canada to strengthen our competitive edge, advancing policies and programs that reduce barriers and create growth opportunities. On this page you will find a variety of resources to help you navigate this evolving economic landscape.
We also invite you to take our 10-minute survey, in partnership with Invest Ottawa. The information from this survey will help inform how we can best support our business community through these challenges. This survey is about ensuring your voice is heard and shaping real solutions that protect and strengthen businesses in our city.
Your insights matter—help us support you.
*As the situation evolves we will be adding information and resources to this page. If you have any recommendations, please reach out to melissa.howell@ottawabot.ca
In the News
- Ottawa Board of Trade Response to Trump Tariffs (Feb. 2, 2025)
- Ottawa Business Journal: Mayor, board of trade call on Ottawa residents to buy local as city braces for U.S. tariffs (Feb. 3, 2025)
- CTV News: Mayor, Ottawa Board of Trade urge people to buy local in response to U.S. tariffs (Feb. 3, 2025)
- Ottawa Citizen: Shop Local if Trump tariffs come into effect, Ottawa Board of Trade say (Feb. 2, 2025)
- Le Droit: Le Regroupement des gens d'affaires francophones prédit "une spirale de conséquences économiques grave" (Feb. 4, 2025)
- Ottawa Business Journal: Mayor Sutcliffe and business leaders talk Trump tariffs at Ottawa Economic Outlook (Jan. 21, 2025)
- President and CEO Statement on President-Elect's Proposed Tariffs (Nov. 27, 2024)
Government Resources
- Update on U.S. tariffs from Prime Minister Trudeau (Feb. 3, 2025)
- Tariffs, rules and regulations | Government of Canada
- Export funding and financing programs | Government of Canada
- Business Benefits Finder | Government of Canada
- City of Ottawa prepares strategy to defend again | Ottawa Citizen (Feb. 4, 2025)
- Prime Minister Trudeau speaks with premiers on the Canada-U.S. relationship and internal trade (Jan. 22, 2025)
Business Resources
- Trade Tracker | Canadian Chamber of Commerce
- 10 Tips for Ontario SMEs to Stay Competitive | Ontario Chamber of Commerce
- Buy Local Ottawa
- Made in Canada
- Resources for businesses affected by U.S. tariffs | BDC
- United States Market Intelligence | EDC
- Tariffs and Trade Policy Resource Centre | PwC Canada
- A U.S. trade shock now in play: first economic takeaways | RBC