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CFIB data suggests tariff war is still harming small business bottom lines

By Vanese M. Ferguson Mar 5, 2026 | 12:17 PM

The ongoing trade war between Canada and the U.S. has dismantled the faith of Canadian small businesses.

According to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, 52 per cent of small businesses surveyed no longer consider the United States a reliable trading partner.

What’s more, 75 per cent of small businesses say the tariff battle has impacted their relationship with U.S. clients and partners. This is up from 49 per cent exactly one year ago.

Despite the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling on tariff rates, 68 per cent of these owners say they continue to be negatively affected by ongoing tariffs, and a lack of federal relief isn’t helping.

The CFIB explains that restrictive eligibility for the Regional Tariff Response Initiative make the program inaccessible to many impacted businesses. CFIB calls on Ottawa to provide tax relief measures, implement a rebate program, and stay focused on reducing trade uncertainty.