Saint John, Calgary and Windsor are the top Canadian cities that would be most vulnerable to U.S. tariffs, according to a report by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.
“The looming tariff threat is still very real: we have to remain vigilant and brace for impact. Already we’ve heard from members across Canada how the threat of tariffs is disrupting local businesses and economies. This new data further emphasizes that this is not a game we want to play when so many livelihoods depend on a stable relationship with the U.S.,” said Candace Laing, president and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.
On Monday Trump signed executive orders to impose 25 per cent tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports into the United States, including from Canada. Cities like Hamilton and Sault Ste. Marie may be hit hardest by those specific tariffs, with their large steel industries.
The report estimates that the tariff will impose the steepest hit for the value of Canada’s energy exports. Saint John ranks the most vulnerable – home to the largest crude oil refinery in Canada. It can process more than 320,000 barrels daily and more than 80 per cent of that oil is exported south of the border.
“President Trump’s proposed tariffs will have significant consequences for the global economy — but for some of Canada’s cities, the threat is far more local and personal. With this analysis, Canadians, businesses and policymakers have more evidence to inform ongoing discussions about how Canada can best respond to the monumental challenge brought by unnecessary and unjustified U.S. tariffs,” said Stephen Tapp, chief economist, Canadian Chamber of Commerce.
To determine the risk level of the 41 largest cities in Canada, the Business Data Lab developed a U.S. Tariff Exposure Index that reflects both a city’s U.S. export intensity and its dependence on the U.S. as a key export destination.