Canada-U.S. trade collapse hits B.C. small businesses with new tariffs

Canada-U.S. trade talks collapsed late Friday, with both sides trading blame, triggering new 50 per cent U.S. tariffs on $28 billion of Canadian exports and severely impacting B.C. small businesses. The tariffs affect 18 pages of goods central to small business operations, including building products, dairy, and alcohol. B.C. is among the hardest-hit provinces, with existing sectoral tariffs on steel, aluminum, and softwood lumber remaining in place. B.C. supports the federal decision to walk away, while the prime minister plans counter tariffs next month. U.S. President Donald Trump threatens further tariffs by Jan. 1, 2027, prompting businesses like Hemlock & Oak to diversify customers.