
The Chatham-Kent Chamber of Commerce is lending its voice to groups from across the country in the face of a Canada-US trade war.
A joint statement from Chambers representing over 5000 organizations on both sides of the border says the trade partnership between the two countries still has untapped potential to help both economies grow.
Officials say the trade relationship between the United States and Canada is the largest in the world, worth $1.3 trillion per year, with 1.4 million American jobs and 2.3 million Canadian jobs depending upon the relationship.
“The United States and Canada have built the largest and most successful trade partnership in the world, supporting millions of jobs and driving economic growth on both sides of the border,” the statement reads. “Businesses depend on predictable, stable trade policies, and unnecessary tariffs only create economic hardship for workers, consumers, and industries. As chambers of commerce representing key cross-border regions, we stand united in calling for continued collaboration, the removal of trade barriers, and a commitment to policies that strengthen our shared prosperity.”
US President Donald Trump is placing a 25% tariff on Canadian goods, with a 10% tax on oil, natural gas and electricity. Canada is imposing 25% tariffs, more than $155 billion Canadian on U.S. products, all set to go into effect tomorrow.
The bi-lateral group says the Chambers are united in their call for continued collaboration and dialogue to reduce barriers to trade and ensure a predictable and stable environment for businesses and workers.