Delta businesses expecting impacts from U.S. and Canadian tariffs

Feedback from Delta businesses shows many anticipate ‘significant’ impacts from both U.S. and reciprocal Canadian tariffs.

A recent survey conducted Feb. 10-17 by the Delta Chamber of Commerce with support from the City of Delta found local businesses are expecting significant challenges caused by President Donald Trump’s 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian exports and 10 per cent tariffs on Canadian energy, which came into effect on March 4, as well as from any countermeasures imposed by Ottawa.

The survey gathered responses from 59 Delta businesses across 13 industry sectors, including 16 businesses in manufacturing, representing about 1,600 employees and over $138 million in combined revenue.

“This survey provides a quick glimpse into the challenges and uncertainties Delta businesses are facing in light of the proposed tariffs. While many businesses are anticipating immediate impacts, they are taking a measured approach to respond,” chamber executive director Jill McKnight told council Monday night (March 3), hours before the U.S. tariffs came into effect.

“As we move forward, it is crucial to continue monitoring these developments and to support businesses as they navigate the evolving landscape.”

Key findings of the survey include that responding companies expect to be affected by both U.S. (70 per cent) and Canadian (64 per cent) tariffs, with 59 per cent expecting U.S. tariffs to immediately impact their businesses.

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