The Airforwarders Association (AfA) is has called for trade talks between the US and Canada in to restart before Canadian retaliatory tariffs on US imports take effect on September 8.
The Canadian tariffs are the latest episode in an ongoing war of words between the two North American neighbours which has included US tariffs on imports from Canada and even a proposal by US President trump that Lake Ontario – shared by both countries – be renamed Lake America.
AfA executive director Brandon Fried, said: “Another round of tariffs will add costs for businesses moving goods across one of the world’s most important trading borders, with consequences for supply chains, investment, and jobs. Both governments need to get back around the negotiating table before this dispute escalates further.”
An AfA member survey published in February found 83% of forwarders had suffered reduced shipping volumes as a direct result of US import tariffs, while more than half reported changes to customer supply chains and shipping routes.
“Forwarders are already seeing what prolonged trade uncertainty means on the ground, and further tariffs risk putting additional pressure on costs, prices, and employment,” said Fried.
The dispute comes amid continuing uncertainty over the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which underpins nearly US$2 trillion in annual US goods and services trade within North America. “The United States, Canada, and Mexico have built highly integrated economies and supply chains, and preserving that relationship matters for businesses and consumers across the continent,” said Fried. “Disagreements will arise, but they should be resolved through negotiation rather than an escalating cycle of tariffs.”
