Trade uncertainty: Business owners share concerns

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This article was published 17/03/2025 (234 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Local business owners are facing difficulties in planning for the future due to trade uncertainties and fluctuating tariffs with the United States, Brandon Chamber of Commerce vice-president Jennifer Ludwig said.

The local entrepreneurs shared their concerns during a roundtable discussion, which was not open to journalists, hosted by the Brandon Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Manitoba Chamber of Commerce at the Assiniboine College campus last week.

The meeting was part of a broader initiative by the Manitoba Chamber of Commerce, which has already conducted similar discussions in Steinbach and Portage la Prairie.

The purpose of these meetings is to assess the challenges faced by businesses amid shifting trade policies and to provide feedback to the provincial government, Ludwig told the Sun.

Ludwig, who is also a member of the U.S. Manitoba Trade Council, described the meeting as a valuable opportunity for businesses to present a united front and relay their concerns to Premier Wab Kinew and his administration.

“The roundtable allowed businesses that engage in U.S. trade to discuss the challenges they are facing and the factors influencing their operations,” Ludwig said. “This feedback will be taken to the Premier’s Trade Council to help guide decision-making and ensure business interests are considered.”

Ludwig emphasized that businesses are struggling to price their products and bid on contracts because of the uncertainty surrounding potential trade tariffs.

“How do you plan going forward when you don’t know what your pricing will be a month or three months from now?” Ludwig said. “It makes it very difficult to quote products or services when there is the possibility of sudden tariffs affecting costs.”

Despite the challenges, Ludwig explained businesses are also looking at alternative strategies to navigate trade uncertainties. One recurring theme during the meeting was the need to strengthen interprovincial trade and expand Manitoba’s trade network on a global scale.

“Businesses understand that now is the time to explore other opportunities,” Ludwig said. “We are discussing how to make interprovincial trade easier and how to build a more robust global presence to reduce reliance on U.S. trade.”

Ludwig also highlighted ongoing efforts to educate stakeholders on both sides of the border about the economic consequences of tariffs. Some Manitoba chambers have initiated discussions with their American counterparts to share information and advocate for policies that support trade stability.

“Education plays a crucial role in helping U.S. businesses and policymakers understand how these tariffs impact not just Manitoba but also American businesses and consumers,” Ludwig said. “We hope to take part in those discussions from a Brandon Chamber perspective as well.”

While the next meeting has yet to be scheduled, Ludwig reassured local business owners that the Brandon Chamber of Commerce remains committed to continuing these discussions.

“Even though this roundtable was co-chaired with the Manitoba Chamber of Commerce, we at the Brandon Chamber will keep meeting with members and non-members affected by trade tariffs,” Ludwig said.

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