AfA urges US and Canada to resume trade talks

The Airforwarders Association (AfA) is calling on policymakers in the United States and Canada to resume trade negotiations ahead of Canadian retaliatory tariffs on US imports scheduled to take effect on September 8.

The tariffs, covering approximately $27.6 billion in US imports, are expected to add pressure to cross-border supply chains and increase costs for businesses.

Brandon Fried, Executive Director, Airforwarders Association, said, “Another round of tariffs will add costs for businesses moving goods across one of the world’s most important trading borders, with consequences for supply chains, investment, and jobs.”

An AfA member survey published in February found that 83% of freight forwarders reported lower shipping volumes due to US import tariffs, while more than half said the measures had prompted changes to customer supply chains and shipping routes.

Forwarders are already experiencing the impact of prolonged trade uncertainty, with further tariffs likely to add pressure on costs, prices and employment, according to Fried.

The dispute comes amid continued uncertainty over the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which supports nearly $2 trillion in annual US goods and services trade across North America.

The United States, Canada and Mexico have deeply integrated economies and supply chains, making it important to preserve strong trade ties across the region, according to Fried. While disagreements are inevitable, they should be addressed through negotiations rather than an escalating cycle of tariffs.

The AfA said it will continue working with policymakers on trade policy and its implications for freight forwarders, their customers and the broader US economy.