The Trump trade war with much of the world continues and the federal government continues to try and reach a suitable settlement with the U.S.
Locally the Executive Director of the Quinte Economic Development Commission Chris King says manufacturers have been affected by tariffs, especially those involved with steel and aluminum.
However, King says there’s been positive news surrounding tariffs as well.
“We were talking to a company just yesterday who is looking at repatriating some operations in the states and bringing them back to service the Canadian market. So it’s not a cut-and-dried situation but it is causing hardship. It’s the uncertainty and lack of clarity.”
And due to the tariff issues, the provincial government has set aside a significant pot of money in a Tariff-Impacted Communities program.
And the Quinte Economic Development Commission is applying for funding from the program.
King says the region ranked high in a national survey on tariff issues done by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.
“The Bay of Quinte ranked number 11 across Canada so we have a really strong argument that yes our community is really impacted by tariffs and the threat of tariffs so we need some help.”
King says any funding from the program will be used to help local manufacturers find new markets and supply chains.
