With a critical tariff exemption set to expire in early April, Canada’s trucking industry is bracing for potential supply chain disruptions and economic ripple effects. The sector, vital to cross-border trade with the U.S., faces heightened uncertainty as Washington weighs new tariffs on other goods.
The temporary pause on auto sector tariffs, granted by U.S. President Donald Trump in March, provided relief for Canada and Mexico. However, industry leaders warn that the looming deadline could strain transportation networks already grappling with pandemic-related delays and labor shortages. Over 70% of Canada-U.S. trade by value moves via road freight, according to industry data.
"This isn’t just about trucks—it’s about every business that relies on timely shipments," said a logistics executive familiar with cross-border operations. Analysts suggest prolonged tariff tensions could reshape North American trade patterns, potentially diverting investments to Southeast Asian markets like Vietnam and Indonesia.
