Brockville mayor shares four strategies to mitigate local impact of impending U.S. tariffs
On the eve of impending tariffs from the U.S., Brockville mayor Matt Wren has been working closely with mayors and other leaders on both sides of the border to try and mitigate the inevitable economic damage.
“It’s no longer a threat,” Wren said in a social media post, noting that “the American president is moving forward with tariffs on Canadian goods effective midnight March 4.”
Wren has been working for several weeks with the Border Mayors Alliance and the St. Lawrence Corridor Economic Development Commission (SLCEDC) in anticipation of this development. As part of SLCEDC, Brockville works closely with its neighbouring municipalities for the greater good of the region.
The organization has been in dialogue with local manufacturers and has developed the following four point plan:
1. Market Diversification and Sales Channel Development
Working as a manufacturing collective to explore new market opportunities, develop alternative sales channels, and reduce dependency on U.S. exports. “A focused strategy on diversification will be key to mitigating risks associated with increased tariffs,” Wren said.
2. Advocacy for Reciprocal Tariffs & Fair Trade Policies
“We need to actively engage with our federal representatives to ensure a strong and strategic response to the U.S. tariffs,” Wren said. “By analyzing our regional manufacturing output, we can advocate for targeted reciprocal tariffs that protect our industries while ensuring fair trade practices.”
3. Reducing Interprovincial Trade Barriers
With interprovincial trade barriers effectively acting as a 21 per cent tariff, the organization believes we must capitalize on recent provincial announcements addressing this issue. “Streamlining interprovincial commerce will help mitigate the impact of international tariffs and strengthen our regional economy,” Wren said.
4. Strengthening Local Supply Chains and Cost Efficiencies
SLCEDC believes that by reimagining our supply and value chain processes, we can identify opportunities to collaborate regionally, leverage local suppliers, and optimize shipping and logistics costs. This will reduce our dependence on external markets and improve regional resilience.
“Our economic development team is committed to supporting these initiatives and ensuring our regional businesses have the resources they need to navigate this evolving trade landscape,” Wren said. “We’ll continue to advocate through all available channels and work closely with other area municipalities, MP Barrett and MPP Clark to do all we can to support our local manufacturers, and their employees during this challenge.”