Operation Prosperity Quebec | Abitibi-Témiscamingue
A response from 48e Nord International and Commerce International Québec for concrete solutions for our exporting companies
Note: The information mentioned was current as of January 31, 2025, at 1:00 PM.
Shortly after his election last November, Donald Trump had already threatened to impose tariffs on products imported from Canada and Mexico. Since his return to power on January 20, Mr. Trump has wasted no time in taking action by signing numerous executive orders. A trade war between Canada and the United States seems imminent. As of February 1, tariffs of 25% will be imposed on Canada and Mexico. Further details are forthcoming, particularly regarding the targeted sectors. The government of Justin Trudeau has mentioned being ready to retaliate.
The concerns of our regional exporters
Abitibi-Témiscamingue has several exporters in sectors such as mining, forestry, and others. The exporting companies in our region naturally tend to target geographically close markets with similar business practices to ours, such as other Canadian provinces and the United States.
Some exporting companies in the region have shared their concerns about Mr. Trump’s tariff threats. Collaboration with their American partners will likely become more difficult. The increase in tariffs could raise their costs and thus affect their profitability. The instability brought by these changes may lead American clients to be cautious in their purchasing decisions of goods from Canada. In general, the concerns revolve around economic uncertainty and potential impacts on operations. Despite this particular context, our companies have some confidence in the economic resilience of our region.
48e Nord International: concrete support
In this context of a trade war, the team at 48e Nord International wishes to reaffirm its commitment to supporting the exporting companies of Abitibi-Témiscamingue in their export-related challenges. 48e Nord International can assist you in diversifying your export markets to reduce your dependence on the American market or other markets. Canada has free trade agreements with many countries, and it is possible to benefit from them. To diversify your markets, here are the steps we propose and can support you with in a structured approach.
The Mandate of ORPEX
Under its mandate as a Regional Export Promotion Organization (ORPEX) granted by the Ministry of Economy, Innovation and Energy (MEIE) and Canada Economic Development (DEC), 48e Nord International supports regional businesses in their positioning, marketing, and export efforts to new markets. By new markets, we mean any markets other than the original one. Companies from all sectors can benefit from our services. Here, for informational purposes and in a non-exhaustive manner, we invite you to consult the services offered by 48e Nord International.
Commerce International Québec
Additionally, 48e Nord International is a member of the national network of Commerce International Québec, which brings together the Regional Export Promotion Organizations (ORPEX) from all regions of Quebec. The network has 65 experts available to meet your needs, whether your company is just starting out internationally or is already well established in export markets.
If you are interested in starting a market diversification process, we invite you to contact us through the CONTACT form.
