As Canada and the United States continue to negotiate a trade deal businesses in the Simcoe County area are bracing for impact. Ashley Kalyn, an international trade consultant with Peacock Tariff Consulting said the potential tariffs will impact multiple sectors. “We’re looking at automotive equipment, cereals, textiles, clothing, dairy and creamer. Beyond that cement, it’s pretty hefty,” said Kalyn. Although the tariffs have been stalled for a 48 hours, the trade talks continue to impact businesses day-to-day. “Small and medium sized enterprises are extremely concerned,” said Kalyn. “A tariff of this manner could turn the lights off for a lot of businesses.” One wrong move by an emerging business could be the end. “That’s why it’s such a high stakes game, it is a trade war. Once upon a time, you’d get a small fine, and you continue about your business and just do a small, insignificant change,” said Kalyn. “And nowadays it can be as bad as jail time.” Small businesses around the country continue to rely on local support, like a small boutique in Ottawa. Katie Frappier said her business continues to rely on dedicated customers. “Our customers really showing up for us over and over again, being so excited to buy Canadian to participate, and what we’ve been doing for 20 years,” said Frappier. “And so that day to day person is so committed to our industry, to our economy, and we feel it every day.” With experts urging businesses to be proactive when it comes to new tariffs being implemented The next 48 hours of discussion between the two countries considered a pivotal negotiation “If an agreement does not come in the next 48 hours, the shoe is really going to drop,” said Kalyn. “Trump has a habit of unloading news on Fridays; I have a strong feeling that is the direction we’re heading.” Other businesses CTV News spoke with on Wednesday were hesitant to go on the record to speak about tariffs without them being implemented but they will be watching the federal government closely to see what kind of deal will be made.
