Canadian Tariffs - Update from Trade Mission
Secretary Bessent announces tariff relief for consumers
The news that Secretary of Commerce Scott Bessent was going to be announcing tariff reductions on various agricultural (food/grocery products) has been well received.
The affordability message from the 2025 elections seems to have changed things in Washington.
Back in April, Virginia FREE initiated a trade mission to Canada, Virginia’s largest trading partner.
That trip took place in September and we’ve been told that it helped in changing the conversation in the U.S. Senate.
U.S, Senator Tim Kaine and former Governor/Senator George Allen led this bipartisan delegation. Here are some recent reflections after the trip:
U.S. Senator Tim Kaine:
Last week, the Senate sent an important message to the White House by passing three bipartisan pieces of legislation to undo Trump’s ridiculous tariffs that are hurting American consumers and businesses, including a resolution to end the trade war with our close ally and trading partner, Canada.
While I was in Canada as part of Virginia FREE’s recent trade mission to Ottawa, I heard repeatedly about how much damage has been done to our bilateral economic partnership.
Those insights were invaluable as I worked to make the case to my colleagues and the American people that these tariffs are creating uncertainty for businesses, putting economic development investments on ice, and slamming the door on critical foreign markets.
Thank you to Virginia FREE for the group’s contributions in showing support for the U.S.-Canadian relationship.
Craig Hairfield COO - Atlantic Strategic Minerals:
The Virginia–Canada Trade Mission was a great chance to build connections and learn from business and government leaders on both sides of the border. The conversations were practical, non-partisan and focused on how we can grow trade and investment together.
It was an honor to represent Virginia’s business community by sharing Atlantic Strategic Minerals’ story of building responsible, resilient critical minerals supply chains. I left the event encouraged by the cooperation and the shared sense of opportunity between Virginia and Canada.
Jay Timmons President and CEO National Association of Manufacturers:
Manufacturers appreciated the opportunity to have productive discussions about the importance of the USMCA, including with Canadian Ambassador to the US Kirsten Hillman.
