Little relief for Windsor-Essex despite U.S. Supreme Court tariff ruling, local experts say

The U.S. Supreme Court invalidated most of Trump’s tariffs Friday. CTV Windsor’s Sanjay Maru has more on what that means for Windsor-Essex.

Despite a U.S. Supreme Court decision limiting how President Donald Trump can impose sweeping tariffs — and a subsequent announcement of a proposed 10 per cent global tariff under a different legal authority — local economic leaders say the developments are unlikely to deliver immediate relief for Windsor-Essex.

On Friday, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down tariffs imposed by the Trump administration using emergency powers, saying the president cannot unilaterally set broad import taxes.

In response, Trump said he plans to pursue a new round of global tariffs under Section 122 — announcing a proposed 10 per cent duty on imports from around the world.

For Windsor-Essex — where the local economy is closely tied to cross-border auto manufacturing — the ruling leaves tariffs on autos, steel, and aluminum in place.

Ryan Donally, president and CEO of the Windsor Essex Chamber of Commerce, said any new, across-the-board tariff could further disrupt a supply chain that depends on the steady movement of goods between Canada and the United States.

“It could be quite serious — a 10 per cent global tariff around the world,” Donally said.

“That’ll definitely send shockwaves in our region, but also around the world.”

University of Windsor professor Peter Frise said the court’s decision helps clarify the limits of presidential authority.

“It shows that other parts of the U.S. government are starting to mobilize in the direction of common sense and order in the world’s economy,” said Frise.

“But I think it’s too early to start breaking out the celebratory cake.”

Frise added that the economic fallout tied to those duties is unlikely to ease quickly.

“It won’t be fast. People will continue to be hurt. Countries and companies will continue to suffer,” he said.

Local employers are already adjusting to those added costs in order to keep exporting to the U.S., according to Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens.

“There are businesses here who’ve had to front those tariffs in order to continue to sell into their largest market,” Dilkens said.

“Business owners have had to make tough decisions which affect the lives of people in our community.”

Donally pointed to the upcoming review of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), expected later this year, as a key moment for Windsor-Essex’s trade outlook.

“I think most people have always believed that the United States will continue to be a very strong economic ally for us,” said Donally.

“We’re minutes away from their border — and that’s where we’re going to have the balance of our trade for the foreseeable future.”