The Grimsby Chamber of Commerce is asking businesses throughout Grimsby to tell us how newly announced U.S. tariffs could affect their operations if the measures proceed.
We want to hear from businesses that export directly to the United States, supply Canadian exporters, purchase products or components from the U.S., or expect the announcement to affect customers, contracts, pricing, employment or investment decisions.
An online form is available at the bottom of this article. Businesses do not need to be Chamber members to respond.
On July 20, U.S. President Donald Trump signed three proclamations announcing additional 50 per cent tariffs on a wide range of Canadian goods. The tariffs are scheduled to take effect at 12:01 a.m. on August 19, 2026.
The White House says the measures respond to Canadian policies affecting American motor vehicles, alcoholic beverages and dairy products. However, the products selected for tariffs extend well beyond those sectors, with the administration identifying examples ranging from wine and cement to hockey sticks. The new tariffs would apply to covered goods even when they qualify under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement.
Energy, potash, fish, critical minerals and products already subject to certain U.S. national security tariffs are among the stated exclusions. Businesses will need to review the detailed product classifications to determine whether particular exports are covered.
The official tariff schedules identify affected goods using U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule codes rather than product names. The White House says the products range from wine to hockey sticks to cement, but the schedules cover a much broader range of agricultural, consumer and manufactured goods. Businesses that export to the United States should confirm the classification used for their products through the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule or with their customs broker:
- Products listed under the alcoholic beverages proclamation
- Products listed under the dairy proclamation
- Products listed under the motor vehicles proclamation
There remains considerable uncertainty about whether the tariffs will take effect as announced. The proclamations provide a 30-day period before implementation and allow the President to suspend, revoke, supplement or amend the measures. The Canadian government has indicated that it is prepared to negotiate, while the Canadian Chamber of Commerce has urged both countries to use the 30-day window to advance formal talks.
The effects may extend beyond businesses that ship finished products across the border. Local manufacturers may supply exporters elsewhere in Ontario, while agricultural, construction, transportation, retail and service businesses may depend on affected customers or suppliers.
Information submitted through the form below will help the Grimsby Chamber identify local concerns and inform its work with the Ontario and Canadian chambers, governments and economic development partners.
Affected Products
The Grimsby & District Chamber of Commerce is providing the following guide to help local businesses quickly understand the breadth of Canadian products identified in the three new U.S. tariff annexes. The Grimsby Chamber of Commerce would like to thank the Huron Chamber of Commerce for preparing and sharing this guide with the Chamber network.
U.S. Tariff Impact Survey
The Grimsby & District Chamber of Commerce is gathering information from businesses that may be affected by newly announced U.S. tariffs on Canadian exports. Responses will help us understand the potential effects in Grimsby and inform discussions with governments, economic development partners, and the provincial and national chamber networks. Businesses do not need to be Chamber members to respond.