The Langley Chamber of Commerce called the news of U.S. President Donald Trump's 25 per cent tariffs on Canada "destructive and disappointing" in an online announcement.
On Saturday, Feb. 1, Trump signed an executive order that the U.S. will implement 25 per cent tariffs on Tuesday, Feb. 4, with a lower 10 per cent duty for energy — laying the foundation for a trade war with America’s closest neighbours.
The local Chamber said it is "very disappointed" at the news and says the tariffs will "disrupt supply chains, increase costs for businesses and consumers, and put jobs at risk on both sides of the border."
"For Langley businesses—many of which depend on trade with U.S. customers and suppliers—this decision creates significant economic uncertainty and challenge," reads the post.
The Chamber noted that Langley is a border community and knows the importance and value of the Canada-U.S. trade relationship deeply.
"These destructive and counter-productive tariffs imposed by the USA jeopardize this relationship, hurting businesses on both sides that have spent decades working together successfully through predictable trade policies."
In response, the federal government is imposing retaliatory tariffs of 25 per cent on hundreds of goods from the U.S., including meat, milks, carpets, and curtains.
The federal government released a detailed list of the retaliatory tariffs on $30 billion in goods Sunday, Feb. 2, less than 24 hours after U.S. President Donald Trump forcibly dragged Canada into an unprecedented trade war.
Canada’s initial response takes effect Tuesday, when the U.S. tariffs are applied.
In three weeks Ottawa plans to add another $125 billion in tariffs on hundreds of other U.S. goods after consulting with industries.
It says the second list will include products such as cars, trucks, buses, steel and aluminum, aerospace products, and fruits and vegetables.
Premier David Eby was also quick to retaliate, calling Trumps tariffs a "complete betrayal" of the historic bond between Canada and the U.S.
He has directed the BC Liquor Distribution Branch to immediately stop buying American liquor from “red states,” as well as pulling existing stock from store shelves.
Eby said he has also directed crown corporations such as BC Hydro, ICBC, and health authorities to immediately halt buying American goods and services and instead buy Canadian goods and services first.
The province is also expediting permits for 10 private-sector projects worth $20 billion, including mines, renewable energy and natural gases.
“It’s a declaration of economic war against a trusted ally and friend,” said Eby in Vancouver from a press conference.
Langley Chamber said it supports both governments' responses, and urged the government to continue addressing Trump's border security concerns raised in his executive order.
It noted other measures to support Canadian businesses include breaking down interprovincial trade barriers, diversify export markets, direct financial supports, and ensuring existing policies don't "further burden business activity."
The Chamber added that it will continue its efforts advocating for its 1,100 members and the broader business community.
