ports

Canadian Shippers Pivot Away From US Market as Tariff Dispute Escalates

Deteriorating trade relations between Canada and the United States are prompting logistics providers to help clients explore alternatives to the American market. Negotiations collapsed Friday after Washington introduced eleventh-hour demands covering fentanyl smuggling, dairy regulations, and labor practices. New US tariffs took effect immediately, with Canada pledging retaliatory duties beginning September 8. Prime Minister Mark Carney characterized the decision as reluctant but necessary, stating that Washington's offer was insufficient. Public and business support backs the government's position. Candace Laing, president and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, criticized the tariffs as destructive to North American competitiveness and called them unsustainable for business operations. Ottawa has not yet released its complete list of targeted US goods for retaliation.