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 maintain momentum toward a durable trade agreement following a summer marked by significant developments in the bilateral relationship.

While discussions between both governments continue, recent announcements by the United States to impose additional tariffs under Section 338 of the U.S. Tariff Act of 1930 underscore the importance of finding practical, long-term solutions that reinforce, rather than disrupt, the deeply integrated North American economy. The Section 338 measures, announced on July 20, impose additional duties on certain Canadian goods, including products in the automotive, dairy and alcoholic beverage sectors, with implementation scheduled for August 19.

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

American companies operating in Canada are among the country’s largest employers, investors and innovators. Their success depends on efficient cross-border movement of goods, services, people, technology and capital. Likewise, millions of American jobs are supported by Canadian investment, exports and integrated production that strengthens U.S. manufacturing and economic security.

The recent Section 338 actions introduce additional uncertainty for businesses that have invested in North American supply chains over many decades. While governments have the responsibility to advance their national interests, prolonged uncertainty can delay investment decisions, increase costs and reduce competitiveness across the continent.

As Canada and the United States continue negotiations and prepare 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 the integrated North American manufacturing and supply chain ecosystem;
• 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 support the competitiveness of North America in an increasingly challenging global economy.

“Canada and the United States have built one of the world’s most successful economic partnerships,” Tachuk added. “The upcoming CUSMA review presents an opportunity not only to address current challenges, but to position North America for long-term growth. We believe both countries 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 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 the Canadian economy, and operate across every major sector. AmCham Canada advocates for policies that strengthen investment, innovation, trade and the competitiveness of the integrated North American economy.