Southern Alberta businesses relieved by U.S. tariff delay

The southern Alberta business community is breathing a sigh of relief after it was announced U.S. tariffs would be delayed 30 days for negotiations.

Many Canadians were dreading impending tariffs from the United States.

Just hours before they were set to kick in, it was announced they would be delayed 30 days for negotiations.

Mexico as well had its tariffs delayed.

“The message could have come through from business leaders in the States, and certainly the stock markets, that there was nervousness about the direction,” said Trevor Harrison, a retired professor of political science at the University of Lethbridge.

“But the other thing possibly going on here is that this is all along kind of the Trump strategy for negotiating.”

The southern Alberta business community is breathing a sigh of relief.

Many rely on imports and customers from the U.S.

A prolonged trade war would likely have a devastating impact on the local economy.

“Really pleased to see that there is a 30-day delay in the implementation of tariffs,” said Trevor Lewington, Economic Development Lethbridge CEO.

“I hope this gives both sides a chance to actually have conversations about the issues and, you know, ultimately move forward with solutions,”

While it’s good news, business leaders aren’t taking the time to celebrate.

Many will spend the next 30 days preparing for the potential tariffs.

“I don’t think it’s time for us to pause. We need to keep going forward,” said Cyndi Crane, Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce CEO.

Crane noted the importance of enhancing interprovincial trade and collaboration.

Even if tariffs are avoided entirely, there is still a growing sentiment from consumers to buy Canadian goods.

And that could be a major boost for the Canadian economy.

“That should always be, quite frankly, in the forefront of our mind,” Crane said.

“No matter what is happening. ... Really looking at those goods and being proud of the goods that our community, our province and our country produce.”