Understanding the impact of the U.S. tariffs on New Brunswick

Learn about the tariffs, their impact and how you can support our local economy.

Situational update

Last updated: February 4, 2025

Premier Susan Holt welcomed news that the 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian goods have been paused for 30 days, but said New Brunswick must remain vigilant. The provincial government will also:

  • Sign no new contracts with U.S. companies in the next 30 days.
  • Review procurement protocols to determine if replacements can be found for U.S. companies currently being used by the provincial government.
  • Have Opportunities NB and the Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour finalize, in line with federal support, programs to support workers and entrepreneurs.
  • Review internal trade barriers to strengthen the Canadian economy, in collaboration with federal, provincial and territorial governments, to better harmonize trade across the country.
  • Work with other Atlantic provinces to find new markets for items that are traditionally exported to the U.S., including seafood and lumber.
  • Continue seeking other measures New Brunswick can take to protect its workers and economy.

Holt and representatives from New Brunswick’s business community will travel to Washington next week to advocate for New Brunswick workers and businesses, and to seek a permanent removal of the tariffs.

"The tariffs were a wake-up call for all of us about the importance of building up our economy and buying Canadian. As we move forward, we must diversify and find new markets for the exceptional goods we produce in our province and across the country."

– Premier Susan Holt

What is a tariff

A tariff is a tax or duty imposed by a government on an imported or exported good. When used appropriately, it can be both an important source of revenue for a government and a tool to protect domestic industries from foreign competitors. Tariffs increase the price of imported goods into a country, making them less competitive compared to alternatives.

Canada is the largest buyer of U.S. goods and services and buys more U.S. goods than China, Japan, France, and the United Kingdom combined. The relationship between New Brunswick and the U.S. is important for both parties, and we need to keep it strong and open.

The imposed 25% tariff on exports to the U.S. will severely harm our local businesses and communities. New Brunswick businesses are understandably worried about the effects these tariffs may bring. The longer these tariffs stay in place, the more likely our economy will suffer lasting damage.


What you can do

It’s crucial now more than ever to buy local products and support New Brunswick and Canadian companies. Your choices make a difference!  While you are shopping, consider choosing New Brunswick or Canadian alternatives. You can identify these by looking at the product labels for terms like:

  • "Excellence NB" and "Savour NB" labels: These labels tell you the product is made in New Brunswick.
  • "Made in Canada" label: This label tells you the product was made in Canada.
  • Canadian quality standards: Some products might mention that they meet safety and quality rules in Canada.
  • Maple leaf symbol: Many Canadian products have a maple leaf on them, showing they are from Canada.
  • Canadian flag: Some products display the Canadian flag, which means they are made in Canada.
  • Manufacturer's information: Check the packaging for the company's address. If it's located in Canada, the product might be made there too.
  • Product certifications: Look for stamps or marks from Canadian organizations that show the product is safe or made in Canada.
  • Ingredients or materials source: Sometimes, labels tell where the raw materials come from, which can help you figure out where the product was made.

By looking for these labels and symbols, consumers can choose to buy products made in New Brunsiwck or Canada. Eating and buying local keeps profits here at home. Local producers support their communities by creating jobs, buying from local businesses, giving to community-based non-profits and keeping rural areas vibrant.

 

Savour NB

Learn about the vibrant food and beverage scene here in New Brunswick. Look for the Savour NB logo on products and store shelves, and you'll know you're buying and supporting local.

Excellence NB

See how you can purchase New Brunswick made products, services and experiences by looking for the Excellence NB logo on NB made products!


What your government is doing

We are taking a united approach to tackle the U.S. tariffs through Team New Brunswick. Our goal is to protect local businesses and our economy. We are collaborating with federal partners to maintain our vital trading relationship with the U.S.

On February 3, 2025, Canada and the United States agreed to delay the imposition of our respective tariffs on imported goods. We are continuing to work to ensure New Brunswick stays stable. Our priority is to support local businesses and limit any potential job losses. The provincial government will:

  • Sign no new contracts with U.S. companies in the next 30 days.
  • Review procurement protocols to determine if replacements can be found for U.S. companies currently being used by the provincial government.
  • Have Opportunities NB and the Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour finalize, in line with federal support, programs to support workers and entrepreneurs.
  • Review internal trade barriers to strengthen the Canadian economy, in collaboration with federal, provincial and territorial governments, to better harmonize trade across the country.
  • Work with other Atlantic provinces to find new markets for items that are traditionally exported to the U.S., including seafood and lumber.
  • Continue seeking other measures New Brunswick can take to protect its workers and economy.

We are also focused on finding New Brunswick / Canadian-made products to reduce our reliance on U.S. imports.

February 10, 2025: As part of a joint mission aimed at strengthening Canada-U.S. relations, Premier Susan Holt will lead a delegation of New Brunswick business leaders on a three-day mission to Washington, D.C. Read the news release


Support for businesses

Our team at Opportunities New Brunswick (ONB)  provides programs and services that help businesses during this challenging time. 

ONB's Business Navigators can help businesses understand and adapt to tariff changes, connect businesses with the right resources to overcome trade challenges, and support business growth in new and existing markets.

If you are a New Brunswick business facing the uncertainty of tariffs, you can contact ONB’s Business Navigators to have your questions answered by:

ONB Export Series: Resiliency and Global Diversification

Join us on February 5, 2025 for the ONB Export Webinar Series to explore the current trade landscape and discover resources for New Brunswick exporters. This session, Free Trade Agreements and Tariffs 101, will cover the impact of tariffs on trade, macroeconomic insights, and the Government of New Brunswick / Gouvernement du Nouveau-Brunswick Tariff Response Action Plan, with expert insights and a Q&A.

Opportunities New Brunswick (ONB)

Learn how ONB accelerates the growth of our industries by attracting global business, strengthening exports, and empowering local companies and entrepreneurs.


What our federal partners are doing

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.

Government of Canada announces next steps in its response plan to unjustified U.S. tariffs

Minister of Finance and Intergovernmental Affairs, unveiled the full list of items covered by tariffs on $30 billion in goods imported from the U.S., the first phase of Canada’s response to unjustified U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods.

Canada announces $155B tariff package in response to unjustified U.S. tariffs

Read the Government of Canada news release issued February 1, 2025, in response to the imposed U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods.