The Surrey & White Rock Board of Trade (SWRBOT) is closely monitoring the federal government’s recent announcements on trade and tariffs, including the decision to remove many retaliatory measures on U.S. goods covered under CUSMA, while retaining others on autos, steel, and aluminum.
For local businesses, predictability in trade policy is critical. Sudden tariff changes create cascading impacts across supply chains, employers, and consumers. While Canada’s current relationship with the United States presents challenges, the recent developments provide a measure of short-term certainty that businesses can plan around.
Sectors such as agriculture, steel, aluminum, and copper continue to face significant challenges, as no CUSMA exemption exists to ease the pressure. It will be important that any forthcoming industrial strategy, which the Prime Minister alluded to, addresses these realities directly and provides tangible support for industries bearing the brunt of current disputes.
Joslyn Young, CEO of the Surrey & White Rock Board of Trade, stated:
“It remains to be seen if the yet-to-be-announced industrial strategy will provide meaningful relief to industries outside of CUSMA protections. Our focus is on ensuring businesses in Surrey and White Rock have the clarity and tools they need to remain competitive, no matter how global trade dynamics shift.”
Alongside trade, Canada’s approach to defence and security will also have implications for business, particularly in industries tied to infrastructure, technology, and supply chain resilience. The SWRBOT will continue to follow developments in this area, mindful of both risks and opportunities.
The Surrey & White Rock Board of Trade remains committed to working with all levels of government and industry to ensure that policies are designed to strengthen competitiveness, support businesses under pressure, and create long-term prosperity for our communities.
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Heather Booth
heather@businessinsurrey.com | 604.634.0341
