On February 6, the Chamber of Marine Commerce hosted its first webinar of 2025, with Douglas J. Porter, chief economist of BMO Financial Group, speaking about the impact of potential tariffs on the United States, Canada and the rest of the world.  

“No one wins; it is bad news for the economy, and it doesn’t matter which side of the border you are on,” Porter said. “It puts upward pressure on inflation and downward pressure on growth.” 

Porter believes the auto industry is the most vulnerable sector in the trade war. He also believes tariffs would put pressure on the Great Lakes maritime industry. “Anything related to manufacturing, such as automotives, metals—these sectors are all dependent on the maritime industry,” Porter said. “As these sectors feel the effects of tariffs it would impact trade on the Great Lakes. However, I think the U.S. and Canadian governments would look at supplying support to industries that would be directly affected by the tariffs. 

Other Stakeholders Respond 

The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) released the following statement in anticipation of the possible tariffs. 

“Tariffs are taxes,” stated Cary S. Davis, AAPA president and CEO. “Though the port industry supports President Trump’s efforts to combat the flow of illicit drugs, tariffs will slow down our supply chains, tax American businesses and increase costs for hard-working citizens. Instead, we call on the Administration and Congress to thoughtfully pursue alternatives to achieving these policy goals and exempt items critical to national security from tariffs, including port equipment.” 

John Murphy, senior vice president and head of international at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, said, “The President is right to focus on major problems like our broken border and the scourge of fentanyl, but the imposition of tariffs under IEEPA is unprecedented, won’t solve these problems, and will only raise prices for American families and upend supply chains. The Chamber will consult with our members, including main street businesses across the country impacted by this move, to determine next steps to prevent economic harm to Americans. We will continue to work with Congress and the administration on solutions to address the fentanyl and border crisis.”    

The United Steelworkers union, many of whose members are strong Trump supporters, said, “The USW has long called for systemic reform of our broken trade system, but lashing out at key allies like Canada is not the way forward. Canada has proven itself time and again to be one of our strongest partners when it comes to national security, and our economies are deeply integrated. The key to eliminating unfair competition, confronting global overcapacity in crucial sectors, and stemming the flow of unfairly traded products making their way into North America is targeted tariffs on countries that violate our trade laws and greater coordination with our trusted allies – not sweeping actions that undermine crucial relationships.” 

The union further commented, “Approximately $1.3 trillion worth of goods cross the Canada-U.S. border annually, supporting 1.4 million American jobs and 2.3 million Canadian jobs. These tariffs don’t just hurt Canada. They threaten the stability of industries on both sides of the border. Our union calls on President Trump to reverse course on Canadian tariffs so that we can focus on trade solutions that will serve working families for the long-term.” 

Following President Trump’s announcement of the 30-day delay, Austin Bonta, Mayor of Portage, IN, and Mat Siscoe, Mayor of St. Catharines, ON, issued a statement on behalf of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cites Initiative. 

“As the clock winds down to the possible imposition of a blanket 25 percent blanket tariff on Canadian exports to the United States, followed by anticipated reciprocal actions by the Government of Canada, we add our voices to the growing chorus of American and Canadian leaders, who oppose the prospect of harmful trade war between our two countries. Our region, with the beautiful Great Lakes and mighty St. Lawrence River, is a potent symbol of cross-border cooperation, friendship and ingenuity. Together, as sovereign nations, we’ve built a highly integrated economy worth US$6 trillion and more than (Can)$8 trillion–the third largest in the world. 

Together, we’ve built a Seaway that connects the economic centers of both countries and the industrial heartland of our continent to global commerce. The economic engine of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River Region supports over 50 million jobs that our residents count on. 

The livelihoods of millions cannot be put at risk by putting these jobs in jeopardy. Our lakes and rivers propel our enterprises and entrepreneurs, and dynamic workforce. Working together, we have forged leading industries, companies and multi-billion-dollar supply chains that span our borders. Our connected manufacturing, agri-food, energy and transport sectors supply the United States, Canada and the world. We must not let a trade war destroy this remarkable bilateral relationship we have built over the centuries. 

Make no mistake, we share a commitment to protecting American and Canadian workers, companies and communities. We also believe that we can work together to strengthen our border, drive shared economic prosperity and provide stability and security in these uncertain times. A trade war undermines these shared goals. 

We commend all the municipal leaders, premiers and governors, labor groups and business leaders from our region who have spoken out against the prospect of blanket tariffs and who value our mutually beneficial trade relationship. We urge both federal governments to work together to avoid any negative economic impacts.”