This article written in french by Stéphane St-Amour was automatically translated using AI
The Boyer administration is pulling out the heavy artillery to support local exporting businesses in response to the American tariff threat.
On February 12, the city announced a $4.5M aid plan over three years.
“To reduce Laval’s economic dependence on the fluctuations of the U.S. market, the City must help its businesses diversify their commercial partners,” stated Mayor Stéphane Boyer in a press release.
Thousands of Jobs at Stake
At the last municipal assembly, the mayor mentioned the potential loss of “thousands of local jobs” if the U.S. president follows through on his threats.
This assessment comes from his recent discussions with major players in the agri-food, aerospace, and plastics industries.
According to the latest available data, goods manufactured in Laval and exported to the U.S. in 2021 totaled over $1 billion, representing nearly 60% of all Laval exports that year.
“As unity is strength, we are joining forces with the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative, a coalition of 244 Canadian and American cities, to foster a coordinated response from mayors across the country,” said Stéphane Boyer. “Laval will adapt its strategy by prioritizing local, provincial, and national supply chains, thereby diversifying suppliers to reduce our vulnerability to potential tariffs.”
Economic Watchdog Committee
In response to this trade war triggered by U.S. President Donald Trump, Laval is mobilizing its teams, regional economic development partners, and key exporting companies by setting up a watchdog committee.
Its mission? “To encourage collaboration and synergy among Laval’s economic ecosystem players to maximize the impact of various initiatives aimed at mitigating the potential repercussions of tariff impositions on the economy.”
Among the sectors particularly vulnerable to tariff constraints:
- Manufacturing, with around 200 companies providing over 2,000 jobs.
- Wholesale trade, comprising nearly 1,450 businesses and 12,000 jobs.
- Agri-food, including meat processing companies and alcoholic beverage producers.
Enhanced Support Services
Laval Économique, the city’s economic development service and a member of the Regional Export Promotion Organizations (ORPEX) network, is expanding its support services.
The enhanced service offering includes:
- Info-Tariff Service: Providing businesses with customs and logistics information and advice.
- Export Acceleration Support via Digital Solutions, including:
- Customized guidance to develop strategies in response to tariff impositions affecting e-commerce.
- Assistance in selecting online sales platforms outside the U.S.
- Business Diversification and Assessment Service: Helping businesses evaluate opportunities beyond the U.S. market based on their readiness level.
- Competitive Support Service: Enhancing business competitiveness through strategic sourcing.
To meet the demand, two new team members have been hired to support Laval businesses in developing export markets.
Finally, the City will launch grant programs to encourage local businesses to improve their e-commerce skills and invest in productivity to remain competitive.
“By combining agility, innovation, and collaboration, Laval can not only overcome the challenges posed by tariffs but also position itself as a more independent and competitive economic player in the long run,” said Lidia Divry, Director of Laval Économique.
The city-region has approximately 600 businesses active in foreign markets, exporting $2.2 billion in goods in 2023.
Simple and Free
Meta (Facebook and Instagram) is blocking your news from Courrier Laval, just as Google continues to obstruct it in response to Bill C-18.
To stay informed and connected to your source of news, Courrier Laval invites you to download its app. Get real-time access to your news for free, with fewer ads. Don’t forget to enable notifications and spread the word to your friends and contacts!
📱 Apple: https://apple.co/3wsgmKE
📱 Android: https://bit.ly/3uGPo1D
📩 Newsletter: https://courrierlaval.com/infolettre/
