Mississauga supports local businesses amid ongoing U.S. trade concerns

Mississauga is standing with local businesses as U.S. trade uncertainty continues. At its November 24 meeting, the City’s Planning and Development Committee reviewed an update on the Partners in Trade initiative, detailing actions in advocacy, procurement, market engagement, and business support to mitigate tariff impacts and ensure the city remains resilient and competitive.

Trade challenges and uncertainties

Most Canadian goods still enter the U.S., tariff-free under CUSMA, but targeted tariffs remain on key sectors like automotive, steel, aluminum, copper, and lumber. These tariffs, along with ongoing tariff-related uncertainties, are affecting investment and hiring in Mississauga, particularly in manufacturing, transportation, and warehousing.  In 2025, job postings in sensitive sectors fell 28 per cent year-over-year. However, overall, Mississauga attracted 47 new investments worth $1.2 billion, creating 3,300 jobs.

Partners in Trade: Local Action Plan

Mississauga is taking decisive action. While trade policy is outside municipal jurisdiction, Council adopted the Partners in Trade Response Plan in March to support local businesses, protect jobs and stabilize the economy. This long-term plan focuses on advocacy and  procurement, industry and market engagement, and business supports and services.

Throughout 2025, Council and City staff consulted more than 100 local business leaders through roundtables and direct outreach to help identify Mississauga’s response priorities. Mississauga Mayor Carolyn Parrish has urged the Federal government to adopt these priorities ahead of CUSMA’s 2026 review.

Looking ahead: adapting for the future

The City has applied for provincial funding through the Trade Impacted Communities Program to help small and medium-sized enterprises diversify exports and promote and build local supply chain capabilities.

With negotiations between Canada and the U.S. ongoing, the City will continue to consult with local businesses and work with federal, provincial, and industry partners to protect jobs and support local business resilience.

For more information, visit Mississauga Partners in Trade – Invest Mississauga

Quotes

“Mississauga’s economy has shown remarkable strength despite U.S. tariffs. Our manufacturers, innovators, and exporters are resilient. As trade talks evolve, we’ll keep working with all levels of government and industry to protect jobs, support local businesses and strengthen economic resilience.”
– Mayor Carolyn Parrish, City of Mississauga

“Mississauga is actively supporting local businesses amid unpredictable U.S. trade conditions. Through the Partners in Trade plan, the City and Economic Development Division, continue to advocate strongly for local business priorities to provincial and federal governments, while also providing direct supports to help local businesses mitigate tariff-related disruption and position the city for sustained economic resilience and competitiveness.”
– Christina Kakaflikas, Director, Economic Development Division

Tags

• Economic Development
• Tariffs and Trade