Grimsby and District Chamber of Commerce is asking local business owners to share how new 50% U.S. tariffs are affecting their operations, from lost orders to rising costs, as it gathers real-world examples for federal advocacy.
The survey, open to all businesses in the community, not just Chamber members, asks about impacts on exports, supply chains, pricing, contracts, and employment. The Chamber is working with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce to compile the responses and use them to inform discussions with the federal government.
“As Canadian businesses face the impact of new 50% U.S. tariffs, we’re working with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce to mobilize our network to make sure what businesses are experiencing on the ground directly informs advocacy at the federal level,” the Chamber stated on its website.
The tariffs took effect at 12:01 a.m. on August 22, 2026, after U.S. President Donald Trump signed three proclamations on July 20 announcing the additional 50% duties on a wide range of Canadian goods. The measures had been scheduled to take effect August 19 but were paused for three days before being implemented after trade talks collapsed.
Canada responded with counter-tariffs ranging from 15% to 50% on over 700 different U.S. products, effective September 8, 2026. The measures have raised concerns among small businesses, with 26% of all Canadian small business owners reporting major negative impacts from the new U.S. tariffs, according to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business.
Business owners in Grimsby can complete the survey online through the Grimsby and District Chamber of Commerce.
