ESTEVAN – The Estevan Chamber of Commerce is warning that new U.S. tariffs on Canadian imports could have a significant impact on local businesses, particularly in manufacturing, agriculture, and energy.
“About half of Saskatchewan’s exports go to the United States,” said Merissa Scarlett, executive director of the Estevan Chamber of Commerce. “There’s going to be an impact on consumer buying, business buying, and overall costs. Which also means an increased cost for consumers and our business owners on both sides of the border," she noted.
These increased costs are highly likely to trickle down to the consumer level, raising prices for products, as well as potentially affecting jobs and spending patterns within the region.
As of March 4, the U.S. has imposed a 25 per cent tariff on most Canadian goods and a 10 per cent tariff on Canadian energy imports. Canada has responded with retaliatory 25 per cent tariffs on $155 billion worth of imported goods, beginning immediately with a . The scope of the Canadian counter tariffs will be increased to $155 billion if the current U.S. tariffs are maintained, or if new tariffs are imposed, said the Canadian government on Tuesday.
Scarlett noted that Saskatchewan industries, such as agricultural equipment manufacturing, agrifood, and mining, are likely to feel the pain first, as well as the oil and gas and ag.
The chamber is taking steps to assist local businesses as they navigate the fallout from the new tariffs. Scarlett has emphasized the importance of feedback and communication.
"If you're struggling and you just need some resources...please reach out," she said. The chamber is offering members a platform to share their concerns and connect with support networks. "I can offer members a forum if they want to provide feedback. If you need help, if you’re dealing with layoffs, or looking for ways to retain staff, we can guide you to where you need to go.”
The chamber encourages local businesses to reach out for support by calling or emailing Scarlett.
For local businesses that may face challenges due to the tariffs, Scarlett also suggested looking beyond North American markets to diversify their exports. She pointed to the Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership (STEP) as a valuable resource for companies seeking to expand internationally.
"There are resources if you're looking even for expansion or just opportunities to take your product worldwide and I can point you to the right people on that as well," she noted.
While businesses are preparing for the short-term challenges posed by the tariffs, Scarlett believes that long-term strategies could help mitigate some of the impacts. She expressed optimism about initiatives such as pipeline development, which would strengthen Saskatchewan’s oil and gas sector.
However, Scarlett warned that the economic uncertainty created by these tariffs could dampen consumer spending, which would, in turn, hurt local businesses.
Despite the uncertain landscape, Scarlett urged the Estevan area residents to support local businesses during this turbulent time.
“If you have to spend as a consumer, be thoughtful about where you put that money. Keeping that dollar in Estevan goes a long way to keeping our businesses open and keeping jobs here," she said, emphasizing the importance of local economic resilience.
The local chamber is also working closely with provincial and national counterparts to advocate for broader trade solutions. Scarlett pointed out that the Saskatchewan and Canadian Chambers are pushing for the federal government to take a more active role in diversifying Canada's trade relationships, especially beyond the U.S.
"The Canadian Chamber is really indicating to the federal government that we need to take a leadership position on our trade," she said. “Building infrastructure to support international trade, so we’re not so reliant on the U.S., … and reducing interprovincial trade barriers.”
The tariffs have been introduced as part of U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade strategy, citing concerns over border security and drug trafficking. In response, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has vowed to retaliate and has suggested further measures may follow. The full economic impact remains uncertain, but experts warn of increased costs and supply chain disruptions across North America.
