Local impacts of looming U.S. tariffs highlighted in new report

Halifax may not be one of the cities hardest hit by the lingering threat of U.S. tariffs, but 58 per cent of the municipality’s exports still make their way across the southern border.

The latest report comes from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, detailing the state of vulnerability for the top 41 cities across the country, 25 per cent across-the-board tariffs go into effect.

Of those 41, Halifax is listed as 35th, one of the cities feeling a lower impact. This is in part due to the eastern province’s trade relationship with Europe.

“Near the bottom of the list are cities that are less exposed to the tariffs because they trade less intensively with the U.S. and/or have more diversified trade patterns,” the report reads.

In 2024, Halifax accounted for $845.2 million of goods exports to the U.S. accounting for two per cent of the municipality’s GDP.

While Halifax may not be hit particularly hard, Saint John in the neighbouring province of New Brunswick is predicted to feel the most impact.

The Maritime city is home to the largest crude oil refinery in Canada, processing over 320 thousand barrels per day. More than 80 per cent of this refined oil is exported to the United States. New Brunswick also exports many forestry and seafood products.

Nearly $11 million of goods exports to the U.S. came from Saint John in 2024, making up 96.3 per cent of the municipality’s total exports.

Fredericton and Moncton, N.B. ranked 18th and 30th respectively.