STATEMENT FROM DENNIS DARBY, PRESIDENT & CEO, CANADIAN MANUFACTURERS & EXPORTERS ON THE U.S. DECISION TO DELAY TARIFFS

OTTAWA, FEBRUARY 3, 2025 – Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) is relieved by the U.S. administration’s decision to delay imposing tariffs and to continue engagement with the federal government. Enacting unwarranted tariffs would have inflicted immediate and severe harm to manufacturers, workers, and consumers on both sides of the border.

This concern is shared by CME’s counterparts at the U.S. National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) who have stated that “a 25% tariff on Canada and Mexico threatens to upend the very supply chains that have made U.S. manufacturing more competitive globally.”

We remain hopeful that ongoing negotiations will lead to the full withdrawal of the tariff plan and a renewed focus on economic collaboration between Canada and the U.S.

However, this temporary reprieve must not be squandered. Federal and provincial governments must act decisively – developing robust contingency plans to protect Canadian manufacturers and workers if tariffs proceed and addressing the long-standing structural challenges hindering Canada’s economic growth.

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About Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters

Since 1871, Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters has been helping manufacturers grow at home and, compete around the world. Our focus is to ensure manufacturers are recognized as engines for growth in the economy, with Canada acknowledged as both a global leader and innovator in advanced manufacturing and a global leader in exporting. CME is a member-driven association that directly represents more than 2,500 leading companies who account for an estimated 82 per cent of manufacturing output and 90 per cent of Canada’s exports.

For more information

Anna Woodmass
Director, Strategic Communications
NATIONAL Public Relations
C: 416-571-2147  | awoodmass@national.ca