EFC Tariff Survey Confirms Significant Impact

In response to the proposed tariffs on Canadian goods, EFC conducted a survey to better understand and quantify the potential impact. The proposed tariffs have raised concerns across various industries, including Canada’s electrical and automation sector.

With 85 member organizations represented (approximately 33% of membership), the results revealed tariffs on Canadian goods would have a significant impact on costs, supply chains and overall business operations.  65% of respondents anticipate that tariffs would have significant to very severe impacts to their businesses. Expected consequences to the tariffs include price increases and supplier and market re-alignment. When asked if members were supportive of retaliatory tariffs? The answer was 60% in favour of retaliation.

The Canadian Electrical and Automation industry powers our economy with essential products that electrify and connect our nation’s grid, manufacturing facilities, homes, businesses, and mobility systems.

EFC alongside various industry organizations continue to call for the Canadian government to fight for free trade in the electrical and automation industry. In late 2024, EFC joined with NEMA and CANAME to release a joint statement in support of free trade in electrical goods between Canada, Mexico and the United States.  EFC will be meeting with NEMA and CANAME in early March to continue discussions and collaboration on advocacy efforts.

Proposed tariffs will impact the sale of Canadian electrical products to the U.S. and make it significantly harder for Canadian exports to compete with US domestic manufacturing not subject to a 25% tariff. EFC’s Government Relations Committee and EFC’s Board of Directors have met to provide direction on the position EFC should take in response to proposed tariffs. EFC staff have worked with the Board of Directors to form an industry position that supports free trade first for the Canadian and American electrical and automation industry and should tariffs be imposed, our position will be to promote fair trade.

For further updates and insights, stay connected with EFC as we continue to monitor and respond to these evolving trade developments.  Please click here to view the full survey results.