P.E.I. businesses face uncertainty as U.S. tariffs hit 50%

U.S. President Donald Trump's 50 percent tariff on Canadian goods took effect over the weekend, leaving Prince Edward Island business leaders uncertain about the future. The tariffs followed collapsed trade talks, with Prime Minister Mark Carney citing last-minute U.S. demands. About $28 billion in Canadian exports were hit. The Greater Charlottetown Area Chamber of Commerce is surveying members, offering support, and noting some small businesses already reduced U.S. dependency. Peace by Chocolate paused U.S. shipping, reporting a nearly 500 percent website traffic surge. P.E.I.'s aerospace sector, a major exporter, said it is monitoring the situation. The Atlantic Canada Aerospace and Defence Association emphasized support for members amid this "generational moment" of building Canadian sovereignty.