Supporting Cambridge Businesses through Tariff Challenges 

The City of Cambridge Economic Development team is committed to helping local businesses navigate the evolving trade environment. With the ongoing U.S. tariff situation, we are actively working to provide businesses with the resources, insights, and advocacy needed to respond effectively.

Our Role in Supporting Businesses

Cambridge Economic Development has taken a proactive, two-phase approach to supporting businesses through these trade challenges:

Phase 1: Understanding Business Needs

  • Conducted direct outreach to businesses to understand their concerns and challenges.
  • Launched a targeted survey to assess the impact of tariffs on local companies.
  • Gathered critical data to inform strategic responses and advocacy efforts.

Phase 2: Enhancing Support

  • Leveraging business insights and providing resources for impacted industries.
  • Strengthening partnerships with industry groups and government to advocate for local businesses.
  • Providing data-driven tools and expert guidance to help businesses mitigate risks and explore new opportunities.

Resources & Tools for Businesses 

Cambridge Economic Development Business Support

Our team offers customized business consultations, guidance on available programs, and direct connections to key resources.

Contact Economic Development 

Key Business Resources

We have collaborated with regional partners to ensure businesses have access to vital information and support networks, including:

  • Tariff Resources Hub – Access information on trade policies, support programs, and industry networks. Tariff Resources 
  • City of Cambridge Data Hub– Search and analyze available commercial and industrial properties, demographic trends, labor force insights, and industry clusters to support business decisions and tariff response strategies. 
  • Trillium Network GIS Mapping Tool – Gain insight into over 12,000 manufacturing establishments and 250 ecosystem partners in Ontario through an interactive mapping tool. 

Tariff Survey 

As part of Cambridge's Economic Development response to support our companies through the initial US tariff threat, we created a survey to collect information and data on how these potential tariffs may affect local businesses to help us advocate more effectively for the necessary support measures.

Cambridge Economic Development is utilizing this feedback to enhance our business outreach program to support impacted companies.

Key Takeaways from Our Business Survey

The insights gathered from our business community have shaped our next steps. Here’s what we’ve learned:

Survey result graphic

Our Commitment Moving Forward

The City of Cambridge is dedicated to standing alongside local businesses as they navigate these challenges. We will continue to:

  • Advocate for businesses at all levels of government.
  • Offer strategic resources to help businesses adapt and grow.
  • Provide timely updates and expert insights through webinars, workshops, and industry collaborations.

Latest Tariff News

Stay informed with the most recent government responses and trade updates:

September 1, 2025 - Canada removed counter tariffs on U.S. goods, with the exception of those on steel, aluminum and autos. 

August 6, 2025 - Canada's response to U.S. tariffs on Canadian Goods 

July 25, 2025 - Canada's engagement with the United States

July 8, 2025 - Customs Tariff 2025 

On April 16, 2025, Ontario announced the launch the new $50 million Ontario Together Trade Fund to help businesses make near-term investments so they can serve more interprovincial customers, develop new markets and re-shore critical supply chains, strengthening Ontario’s trade security and diversification. The application intake period will be open on April 23, 2025.

Assistance with Understanding CUSMA Compliance

On April 7, 2025, the Ontario Government announced the  Ontario Taking Action to Protect Workers Amid Economic Uncertainty. 

  • Deferring select provincially administered taxes for six months from April 1, 2025, to October 1, 2025, giving businesses and job creators approximately $9 billion worth of cash flow they need to keep workers employed and weather the economic turmoil.
  • Through the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB), issuing a further $2 billion rebate for safe employers to support businesses and help keep workers on the job, in addition to the previous $2 billion rebate distributed in March.
On March 28, 2025, the Government of Canada released Canada's Response to U.S tariffs on Canadian Goods. The Government of Canada has a comprehensive plan to fight back against the unjustified U.S. tariffs imposed on Canadian goods while supporting Canada's interests, industries, and workers.
 
On March 4th, 2025, the Government of Canada is imposing 25 per cent tariffs on $30 billion in goods imported from the United States (U.S.). The federal government has deemed these countermeasures effective as of 12:01 a.m., March 4, 2025, and will remain in place until the U.S. eliminates its tariffs against Canadian goods.

On February 3, 2025, Canada and the United States agreed to delay the imposition of our respective tariffs on imported goods. Below is a list of news provided by the federal government surrounding the imposed tariffs.

Upcoming Webinars, Expert Discussions & Business Growth Events

Gain valuable insights from trade and policy experts:

Every Thursday from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM - Cambridge/KW Chamber of Commerce Ask the Expert: Tariffs and Trade.  

Tuesday April 29, 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM - Market Trends and Opportunities in Japan