A task force created by Windsor-Essex business leaders has provided an update on its work as the threat of U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods draws nearer.
The Windsor-Essex Economic Task Force, created by Invest WindsorEssex and the Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce, gave an update on its plans to alleviate any impact tariffs may have on the region.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday that tariffs on Canadian and Mexican-made goods were set to begin on Tuesday.
The update listed Windsor as one of the Canadian cities most vulnerable to tariffs. The task force said that any 25 per cent tariff could put billions of dollars worth of exports at risk. Saint John, New Brunswick, and Calgary were identified as the other vulnerable Canadian cities.
"The Trump Administration has further announced that automotive imports would be subject to additional duties in the coming weeks," read the update from the task force.
The annual demand for all goods and services made in Windsor-Essex is estimated at $62.6-billion. There was $42.1 billion in total exports from Windsor-Essex to outside jurisdictions.
In preparation for any tariffs, the task force has advocated for federal and provincial relief programming for companies and industries most affected by imposed U.S. tariffs, and Canadian retaliatory tariffs. It has also advocated to financial institutions for relief packages, relaxed loan covenants, and deferred payments.
Complete information on the task force can be found on its official website.