The Business Council of Alberta (BCA) is cautiously optimistic about the U.S. administration’s tariff announcements today. The U.S. has maintained its position that the vast majority of USMCA compliant products, which capture the lion’s share of Alberta’s exports, will remain free from tariffs. We encourage all companies to act quickly to file for compliance in order to export tariff-free.
We remain concerned and disappointed that the administration appears to still apply unnecessary and punitive tariffs on Canadian autos, steel and aluminum, and we will continue to work with our peers across the country to advocate for full-scale free trade. These tariffs will continue to strain our relationship with the U.S. and will pose challenges and economic uncertainty to businesses, workers, and families on both sides of the border.
In response, BCA emphasizes the need for a strategic and measured approach:
- Diplomacy and free trade must be our priority: it is imperative for Canadian officials to continue engaging in constructive dialogue with their U.S. counterparts. We must continue to address and resolve trade irritants and engage productively to restore a stable and mutually beneficial free trade relationship.
- Canada should pause further tariff response in light of no new tariffs: with no additional tariffs placed on Canada, the federal government should pause and take no further tariff response action. Efforts should focus on continued diplomacy to address tariffs on autos, steel and aluminum.
- A wake-up call for action on economic resilience and independence: Canada must continue to accelerate efforts to grow its economy, diversify its trade partnerships, invest in critical trade infrastructure, and remove internal trade barriers to strengthen the nation’s economic foundation. The time for action is now.
This continues to be a moment that challenges Canadians to rally together. Our national strategies must work to support each other and minimize regional divisions. The Council and its members remain committed to collaborating with all stakeholders to navigate these challenges and to advocate for policies that promote economic stability, resilience, independence, growth and good life for all.
The Business Council of Alberta