A survey by the Delta Chamber of Commerce, with support from the City of Delta, confirmed that participating businesses anticipate significant impacts from proposed tariffs. During its one-week run, the poll gathered input from 59 Delta businesses across 13 industries, including 16 in manufacturing, representing approximately 1,600 employees and over $138 million in revenue.
“The survey provides a snapshot of some of the significant challenges anticipated by the business community if the U.S. tariffs on Canada come into effect in March,” said Muneesh Sharma, Community and Business Initiatives Manager, City of Delta. “Staff are working closely with the Delta Chamber to support the resiliency of Delta businesses in the face of new tariffs.”
“For the Delta Chamber of Commerce, the survey highlights the widespread concern across various sectors, with manufacturing businesses particularly vulnerable to the potential impacts of U.S. tariffs,” said Ben Martin, Board Member with the Delta Chamber of Commerce. “With 63% of responding manufacturers expecting severe impacts from these proposed tariffs, it’s clear that our local economy will be affected.”
Council will receive a presentation on the results of the survey at their meeting on March 3, 2025. The summary can be read at: https://letstalk.delta.ca/delta-businesses-tariff-survey. Some of the key findings include:
- Nearly all participating businesses expect to be impacted by both U.S. (70%) and Canadian (64%) tariffs.
- Manufacturers are more reliant on U.S. markets for revenue and inputs compared to other industries in Delta and expect more severe and significant impacts (63% compared to 41%).
- Impacts are expected to be felt immediately or within 1 to 2 months once tariffs are introduced.
- Most businesses are waiting for more information before taking action. 63% are planning changes soon. Some have started seeking domestic suppliers and markets.
- Most businesses (53%) anticipate increasing their prices to offset higher costs and many expect demand to decrease as a result, including almost all participants from the manufacturing sector.
- Recognizing more information is needed, participants are seeking support to identify local suppliers and new suppliers.
The City of Delta and the Delta Chamber of Commerce Board will continue to monitor the situation as more information becomes available and the tariffs are confirmed.
For more information on this news release, please contact media@delta.ca.