As potential U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods loom, the City of Markham is actively reaching out to local businesses to understand the possible impact these trade barriers could have. The proposed tariffs, set to take effect on April 2, include a 25% tax on Canadian goods and a 10% tax on Canadian energy exports heading into the U.S.
To assess how these tariffs might affect the business community, Markham’s Economic Growth, Culture, and Entrepreneurship department has launched a Business Tariff Impact Survey. The city is encouraging businesses from all sectors, including finance, insurance, manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism, to participate.
The survey aims to gather valuable feedback on key areas, including:
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Potential new global markets your business may explore for exporting;
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Short-term impacts on your company;
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The types of government support your business may need.
The survey takes approximately five minutes to complete, and businesses are encouraged to provide as much detail as possible. For any inquiries, businesses can reach out to the city via email at [email protected].
In addition to the survey, Markham Business is hosting a virtual session to help local businesses navigate the complexities of the impending U.S. tariffs. Titled “U.S. Tariffs: Implications for Your Business in Importing & Exporting,” the session will be held on Thursday, April 10, from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. It will be a virtual event, with registration available via Eventbrite.
The session will be led by Perry Lo, a licensed customs broker and professional logistician with over 20 years of experience in Canada. Lo will cover essential tools and strategies for navigating the import, export, and customs processes, answering critical questions about the “who, what, where, when, and why” of these procedures.
Markham businesses are urged to participate in both the survey and the session to ensure they are well-prepared for the potential economic impact of the upcoming U.S. tariffs.
