Businesses in Moncton and across New Brunswick brace for outcome of urgent talks in Washington
Companies across New Brunswick were watching trade discussions between Canada and the United States on Friday afternoon that could determine whether U.S. tariffs set by the American administration will take effect at midnight eastern time.
Delegations from both countries were meeting in Washington, where Canada’s trade minister — New Brunswick MP Dominic LeBlanc — was part of efforts to reach a deal before the deadline. Local business leaders said the outcome will materially affect their ability to plan, price goods and maintain customer relationships south of the border.
“We have experienced significant and costly tariffs for the last several months, so a resolution and a path forward would be very much welcomed,” said Keith Parlee, chief executive officer of Apex Industries, a New Brunswick company that sells steel doors into the United States.
“We anxiously await the details of the ongoing negotiations, so we can get back to a more consistent business work environment with our customers.”
Kim Wilson, CEO of the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Moncton, which represents more than 1,000 businesses, said uncertainty has been the prevailing theme for firms during the period of heightened trade tension. That uncertainty, she said, complicates hiring, investment and long-term contracts.
Who stands to be affected in New Brunswick
The impact is concentrated among exporters and manufacturers that sell directly into U.S. markets or rely on cross-border supply chains. Steel-related products were specifically flagged by local firms, but chambers warn the ripple effects could be broader.
- Manufacturers exporting finished products or parts to the U.S.
- Suppliers in affected value chains facing higher input costs
- Logistics and transportation businesses that move goods across the border
While specifics of the talks and any agreement were not released publicly by the time of reporting, local executives described the situation as disruptive for planning. Smaller companies, in particular, are less able to absorb sudden, steep tariff costs.
Practical consequences for firms
Business leaders say potential immediate consequences include:
- Higher prices for U.S. customers if tariffs are passed on
- Reduced competitiveness relative to U.S. producers
- Delays in fulfilling orders while companies reassess contracts
For some exporters, temporary protection of margins by the seller could strain client relationships; for others, margins will be squeezed and investment plans postponed.
Local perspective: the cost of uncertainty
In statements sent to media, a number of New Brunswick representatives underscored how months of fluctuating measures have made strategic decisions difficult. Chambers of commerce and individual CEOs alike emphasised the need for a clear outcome so companies can move beyond short-term contingency plans.
“Long-term planning is tough with trade uncertainty looming,” the Greater Moncton chamber executive said, reflecting concerns from many small and medium-sized enterprises that form the backbone of the provincial economy.
Data snapshot: stakeholders and concerns
| Stakeholder | Primary concern |
|---|---|
| Manufacturers (steel, fabricated goods) | Cost increases, loss of U.S. contracts |
| Small businesses | Cashflow and ability to absorb tariffs |
| Chambers of commerce | Regional economic stability, investment |
Officials in Washington and Ottawa have been working to hammer out details in the final hours before the tariff measures would apply. Any agreement or failure to reach one will have immediate effects for companies that sell across the Canada–U.S. border.
What businesses are watching next
Companies and regional business organisations said they will be monitoring official announcements from the federal government and U.S. trade representatives, and expect guidance on how any changes will be implemented and enforced.
For now, many New Brunswick firms remain in a holding pattern — reluctant to commit to new hires or capital expenditures until the direction of trade policy is clarified.
Should a deal be announced, businesses will be looking for rapid clarification on whether tariffs are lifted or delayed, the duration of any agreement and any transition measures for goods already in transit or subject to prior tariffs.
In the absence of a deal, companies warn they will face continued disruption and higher operating costs, with potential knock-on effects for the provincial economy.
WE NEWS will continue to follow developments and report on any official statements from Ottawa or Washington that affect New Brunswick exporters and the broader business community.
