Tariffs and Trade Updates and Information, visit www.chambercheck.ca
Tariffs and Trade Updates and Information, visit www.chambercheck.ca
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The following column by Cambridge Chamber President and CEO Greg Durocher appears in the summer edition of our INSIGHT Magazine
I can remember as a kid playing baseball, I had a coach who always looked for the inspirational quotes that would inspire and lift us up when we lost a tough game.
One was, “There are billions of people in the world that didn’t even know we played a game,” basically suggesting that playing the game was for our benefit and winning or losing only mattered to us because we were the only ones who really cared. The other was, “No matter what we do, whether we win or lose, tomorrow the sun is going to come up in exactly the same spot to give us another chance.”
Admittedly, these quotes were more profound to me at the time. However, considering what the world is going through right now these quotes now remind me that it is me, and only me, that can pick myself up and drive me to pursue the next challenge. If you are an entrepreneur this is a built-in philosophy.
Of course, over time we often can become complacent with things when we have reliable customers, weaker competition, and a strong desire for your product. But we all know – especially after the past few months - things can suddenly change and not in the exact manner we want them to.
Every expert I converse with regarding tariffs tell me that we should get used to them now as part of regular trade with the United States since President Donald Trump loves tariffs. Why? Because they fill the federal treasury with money.
The rest of the world knows it’s a double-edged sword and is not the way the world economy has evolved. Common sense tells us that trading with more countries is better for the domestic economy, but Trump insists on playing an old board game the rest of the world gave up on decades ago.
He wants to repatriate manufacturing, which even a Grade 5 student can understand is easier said than done. Americans want to wear Nike shoes not make them, and they know if their neighbours made them, they couldn’t afford them.
Trade missions in the works to assist businesses
So, it is vital that we settle this issue one way or another because businesses need certainty and clarity, and we just need to know what we are dealing with. If we have tariffs fine (not), but then we will at least have a clearer understanding on what we all need to do.
Canada is one of the freest traders in the world and has 51 countries to choose from to do business with. There are other countries with no Canadian trade agreement, but the tariffs are minimal or non-existent. Heck, you’re an entrepreneur, selling what you do is how you got to where you are.
But how can you as an entrepreneur develop more trade opportunities?
First, jump on board with the Cambridge Chamber because we will be setting up some international trade missions. The first is scheduled for this fall to Saudi Arabia which is begging to do business with Canadian companies. We will be casting a net out to local businesses who meet the criteria for potential trade deals so why not come with us and ‘roll the dice’?
Second, and this may be even more important, is to always local locally for your supply needs. Source local companies if you need a machined part that you are currently buying from overseas or the U.S. because there are many creative machine shops right here that can do the job for you. Let’s try and keep some of this business at home because it helps all of us.
And lastly, please shop local for your own personal needs. Even if you like using Amazon, you can always search where the product is from. Many Chamber Members sell on Amazon, including our friends at C.A.S. Power Marine. I sometimes purchase their products from Amazon if I can’t make it out to their shop.
Also, summer is filled with nice days so go for a stroll in the downtown areas and check out stores and restaurants you’ve never been in before because you never know what you’ll find.
So please support local and don’t be afraid to join us in finding new places on this planet where potential customers are waiting. Believe me if Americans want your “stuff” I guarantee the rest of the world does also.
Have a great summer and reach out if you want some help, encouragement or just a conversation, we are here. |
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Brian Rodnick 300 June 7, 2026 |
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Greg Durocher 41 July 28, 2023 |
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Canadian Chamber of Commerce 24 January 29, 2021 |
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Cambridge Chamber 2 March 27, 2020 |
750 Hespeler Road Cambridge, ON N3H 5L8
Phone: 519-622-2221
Fax: 519-622-0177
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