Ontario and Michigan chambers call for end to trade uncertainty as U.S.-Canada deadline passes

(TORONTO/LANSING – August 1, 2025) – Following the failure of the United States and Canada to reach a trade resolution by the August 1 deadline and the imposition of increased tariffs on non-USMCA covered Canadian goods, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce and the Michigan Chamber of Commerce today issued the following joint statement:

“Ontario and Michigan have one of the most deeply integrated relationships in the world. This corridor is essential to the U.S. and Canadian economies, and its stability is paramount for shared future success. Our supply chains are inextricably linked, making the impact of trade uncertainty profound for businesses, workers, investors, and communities.

“Our chambers are deeply concerned that without a jointly negotiated settlement, escalating tariffs and prolonged instability will continue to disrupt critical sectors, from automotive and advanced manufacturing to agriculture and logistics.

“Businesses do not need new barriers; they need clarity and confidence. The Michigan and Ontario chambers urge the U.S. and Canada to remain at the negotiating table to resolve the immediate trade issues, and then to move swiftly on an orderly review of the USMCA – yielding an agreement that prepares our interdependent North American economy to compete and win against our global competitors.”

– Daniel Tisch, President & CEO, Ontario Chamber of Commerce
– James Holcomb, President & CEO, Michigan Chamber of Commerce

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About the Ontario Chamber of Commerce
The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) is the indispensable partner of business and Canada’s largest, most influential provincial chamber. It is an independent, non-profit advocacy and member services organization representing a diverse network of 60,000 members. The OCC convenes, mobilizes and empowers business and local chambers in pursuit of its purpose: to bring inclusive and sustainable prosperity to Ontario’s businesses, workers, and communities.

About the Michigan Chamber of Commerce
The Michigan Chamber of Commerce is a statewide business organization representing approximately 5,000 employers, trade associations and local chambers of commerce. The Michigan Chamber represents businesses of every size and type in all 83 counties across the state and employing more than 1 million Michiganders. The Chamber was established in 1959 to be an advocate for Michigan’s job providers in the legislative, political and legal process.

For more information, please contact: 
Julie Martini
Vice President of Public Affairs
Ontario Chamber of Commerce
juliemartini@occ.ca | Mobile: (647) 268-0155

Jim Holcomb
President & CEO
Michigan Chamber of Commerce
jholcomb@michamber.com |  (517)-896-6686