Media Release
Ontario Chamber of Commerce Responds to U.S. Tariff Escalation
July 20, 2026(TORONTO – July 20, 2026) – Today, Daniel Tisch, President and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, issued the following statement in response to the United States’ decision to expand tariffs on Canadian imports under Section 338 of the U.S. Trade Act of 1930:
“This is another needless, reckless escalation in Trump’s unilateral trade war. Canadian and American businesses alike are tired of this endless cycle of threats, retaliation, and uncertainty. Tariffs are taxes on growth. They mean higher costs, disrupted supply chains, delayed investment decisions, and increased pressure on workers, businesses, and communities on both sides of the border.
“For Ontario and Canada, this moment calls for calm, resolve, patience and persistence. In the next 30 days and beyond, we must stand up for our businesses while pursuing a negotiated and durable resolution.
“This is also a reminder that Canada’s economic future cannot rely on decisions made by an unreliable partner in Washington.
“Canada’s first ministers must act now to remove internal trade barriers, accelerate approvals for nation-building infrastructure, help businesses diversify export markets, and create the conditions for businesses to invest and innovate, to stay here and scale here.
“The best response to growing uncertainty abroad is a stronger, more competitive, and more self-reliant economy at home.”
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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.
Andrea Carmona
Director of Public Affairs
Ontario Chamber of Commerce
andreacarmona@occ.ca | Mobile: 647 234 0255