AmCham Canada Calls for Renewed Focus on North American Competitiveness Amid an Evolving Canada–U.S. Trade Landscape

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ottawa, ON – July 29, 2026 – The American Chamber of Commerce in Canada (AmCham Canada) is encouraging Canadian and U.S. leaders to build on recent progress in bilateral trade discussions and work toward a durable agreement that strengthens North America’s long-term competitiveness.

Recent developments, including the United States’ announcement of additional tariffs under Section 338 of the U.S. Tariff Act of 1930, highlight the importance of reaching practical, long-term solutions that reinforce—rather than disrupt—the deeply integrated North American economy. The measures, announced on July 20, would impose additional duties on certain Canadian products, including goods in the automotive, dairy and alcoholic beverage sectors, beginning August 19.

“The Canada–U.S. relationship is unlike any other in the world,” said Rick Tachuk, President of AmCham Canada. “Our economies have been built together over decades through investment, innovation and highly integrated supply chains. As governments work through legitimate trade issues, maintaining certainty and predictability for businesses, workers and investors on both sides of the border should remain a shared priority.”

American companies operating in Canada are among the country’s largest employers, investors and innovators, supporting Canadian jobs, research and economic growth across virtually every sector. At the same time, Canadian investment and exports support millions of American jobs, reinforcing the reality that both countries benefit from one of the world’s most integrated economic partnerships.

While governments have every right to pursue their national interests, prolonged trade uncertainty can delay investment, increase costs and weaken North America’s collective competitiveness. Businesses on both sides of the border are best served by a stable, predictable policy environment that supports long-term investment and integrated supply chains.

As negotiations continue and preparations begin for the 2026 review of the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), AmCham Canada encourages both governments to focus on solutions that:

• Restore certainty and predictability for businesses and investors;
• Resolve trade disputes through dialogue and negotiated outcomes;
• Preserve integrated North American supply chains and manufacturing;
• Encourage investment, innovation and economic growth on both sides of the border;
• Reduce unnecessary regulatory barriers while strengthening continental resilience and security; and
• Modernize CUSMA to ensure North America remains globally competitive.

“The upcoming CUSMA review is an opportunity to do more than resolve today’s challenges,” Tachuk added. “It is an opportunity to modernize the agreement and strengthen North America’s ability to compete globally. We believe Canada and the United States are strongest when policies encourage investment, innovation and collaboration across our shared economic platform.”

AmCham Canada remains committed to working with governments, policymakers and industry leaders in both countries to advance practical, forward-looking solutions that strengthen North American competitiveness while supporting workers, businesses and communities on both sides of the border.
 

About AmCham Canada
The American Chamber of Commerce in Canada (AmCham Canada) represents U.S. companies operating in Canada and Canadian companies with significant commercial ties to the United States. Together, AmCham Canada’s members employ hundreds of thousands of Canadians, invest billions of dollars annually in Canada's economy and operate across every major sector. AmCham Canada advocates for policies that strengthen investment, innovation, trade and the long-term competitiveness of the integrated North American economy.