Chamber statement on new US-Canada tariffs

August 22, 2026

Statement from Jessica Walker, President & CEO, Manhattan Chamber of Commerce on news that negotiations between the US and Canada broke down so new 50% tariffs will take effect:

"These tariffs are a direct tax on Manhattan's commercial life. A 50% tariff on Canadian cement, dairy, and building materials lands squarely on our construction sites, our restaurants, and our corner stores — and every dollar of it gets passed to New Yorkers.

Small businesses don't have hedging desks. They have suppliers, customers, and payroll — and they cannot plan around trade rules that change by the week.

Canada is New York's largest trading partner. We urge both governments to get back to the table now. Manhattan's businesses need predictability, not escalation."