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Ep 35: Manufacturing Resilience - Canada’s Fight for Industrial Survival
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Trade wars have real consequences, and right now Canada's manufacturing sector is absorbing the shock of escalating US tariffs firsthand. When steel and aluminum tariffs jumped from 25% to 50%, they didn't just change numbers on paper – they fundamentally altered the landscape for thousands of businesses and workers across the country.
Matt Conley, Manager of International Trade and Skills policy at Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME), takes us inside the industry's fight to navigate this uncertain terrain. The data paints a sobering picture: manufacturing has shed 55,000 jobs since February, merchandise exports plummeted 10.8% in April (the largest drop in nearly 17 years outside the pandemic), and investment decisions are frozen as businesses struggle to plan amid unpredictable border conditions.
What makes this situation particularly challenging is the deeply integrated nature of North American supply chains. That iconic "Canadian" product you love might contain components from both sides of the border – meaning tariffs don't just hurt exports, they can also increase production costs. This interconnectedness is precisely why CME led a delegation to Washington DC for 23 meetings with lawmakers from both parties, in both the Houe of Representatives and the Senate, advocating for a North American approach rather than tribalistic trade policies.
The conversation expands beyond immediate challenges to explore potential solutions: the renewed push for "Made in Canada" manufacturing, provincial premiers coming together to dismantle internal trade barriers, and the possibilities and practical limitations of market diversification beyond the US. Throughout these discussions runs a common thread – the remarkable resilience of Canadian manufacturers who continue to adapt and innovate despite unprecedented headwinds.
Whether you're directly connected to manufacturing or simply concerned about Canada's economic future, this episode offers crucial insights into how trade tensions are reshaping our industrial landscape and what it means for all Canadians.
Quick Heads up: this episode was recorded on June 6, 2025, so while the news may have changed since this conversation was recorded that thought and ideas still remain relevant.
Share your thoughts on the importance of stable trade relationships and manufacturing's role in our economy!
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By Julia PennellaSend us a text
Trade wars have real consequences, and right now Canada's manufacturing sector is absorbing the shock of escalating US tariffs firsthand. When steel and aluminum tariffs jumped from 25% to 50%, they didn't just change numbers on paper – they fundamentally altered the landscape for thousands of businesses and workers across the country.
Matt Conley, Manager of International Trade and Skills policy at Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME), takes us inside the industry's fight to navigate this uncertain terrain. The data paints a sobering picture: manufacturing has shed 55,000 jobs since February, merchandise exports plummeted 10.8% in April (the largest drop in nearly 17 years outside the pandemic), and investment decisions are frozen as businesses struggle to plan amid unpredictable border conditions.
What makes this situation particularly challenging is the deeply integrated nature of North American supply chains. That iconic "Canadian" product you love might contain components from both sides of the border – meaning tariffs don't just hurt exports, they can also increase production costs. This interconnectedness is precisely why CME led a delegation to Washington DC for 23 meetings with lawmakers from both parties, in both the Houe of Representatives and the Senate, advocating for a North American approach rather than tribalistic trade policies.
The conversation expands beyond immediate challenges to explore potential solutions: the renewed push for "Made in Canada" manufacturing, provincial premiers coming together to dismantle internal trade barriers, and the possibilities and practical limitations of market diversification beyond the US. Throughout these discussions runs a common thread – the remarkable resilience of Canadian manufacturers who continue to adapt and innovate despite unprecedented headwinds.
Whether you're directly connected to manufacturing or simply concerned about Canada's economic future, this episode offers crucial insights into how trade tensions are reshaping our industrial landscape and what it means for all Canadians.
Quick Heads up: this episode was recorded on June 6, 2025, so while the news may have changed since this conversation was recorded that thought and ideas still remain relevant.
Share your thoughts on the importance of stable trade relationships and manufacturing's role in our economy!