Tariffs Threaten to Gut New Brunswick Communities

Trade tensions between Canada and the US are causing concern for New Brunswick businesses that rely on cross-border trade. U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened new tariffs of up to 50% on several Canadian goods, including wood products, paper, food, and alcohol.

The provincial government estimates that $112.1 million in exports could be affected by the tariffs, which would represent just 0.8% of total US-bound exports in 2025.

Economist Herb Emery warns that while the aggregate impact on the economy may not be severe, local communities will likely suffer significant damage. He notes that many of these businesses are small, labor-intensive, and have aging founders, making them vulnerable to market changes.

The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) also expressed concern about the uncertainty surrounding tariffs, saying it's already affecting business planning and investment decisions.