Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston expressed his support for Canada’s negotiating team in a statement Saturday, adding that the tariffs are a sign the province needs to become more self reliant. Photo by Tim Krochak /The Chronicle HeraldArticle contentThe 50 per cent U.S. tariffs being applied to a wide range of Canadian goods as of Saturday are raising questions about how they affect Nova Scotia and what sectors should be bracing for impact.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentWith listed products including things like certain paper and agricultural goods, some businesses may have to assess their decisions around the U.S. market. Article contentArticle contentFollowing the end of negotiations Friday between the U.S. and Canada and the tariffs going into place, Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston issued a statement saying that he stood with Prime Minister Mark Carney, adding a warning that businesses in the province will be in the line of fire. Article contentArticle content“We will work together to do everything possible to protect the massive number of Nova Scotian and Canadian families, workers and businesses that have now been added to the large list of those directly impacted by President (Donald) Trump’s devastating tariffs,” Houston said. Article contentAccording to the province, the 50 per cent levies will hit exports in sectors like plastics, machinery, dairy, certain wood and paper products, alcohol and some agricultural products.Article content“We are working directly with Nova Scotia companies to understand the specific impacts on their exports and determine how we can best support them,” the province said in a statement.Article contentFocusing on what can be controlled in uncertain timesArticle contentWhile some paper products are included in the list of affected products, Bevan Lock, the mill co-manager at Port Hawkesbury Paper in Point Tupper, said the mill’s products continue to be compliant under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement for trade and haven’t been hit with new tariffs. Article contentArticle content Port Hawkesbury Paper says that while their specific type of paper was missed in the most recent round of U.S. tariffs, there remain concerns around the uncertainty of trade with one of their largest markets. Photo by CONTRIBUTED /SUPPLIEDArticle contentHe said that while paper is among the broader categories targeted, the supercalendered paper made at the mill isn’t included. Why those products were left unscathed for the moment is unclear. Article contentArticle content“When we looked into the details of the import codes, our paper is not included,” Lock said. “Nor is newsprint paper from other Canadian suppliers.” Article contentLock said he wasn’t sure whether those products were left out on purpose or simply just not captured in the tariff codes by accident. Article content“We don’t know why, to be honest,” he said. “Is it because of lack of production . . . or were those codes somehow overlooked? We do not know.” Article contentLock said there is concern about how further escalation of tariffs could hit the mill, especially as it ships products to the U.S. Article content“Being a large shipper into the United States amidst such trade uncertainty, where it goes from here is really highly concerning.” Article contentLock said there are limits to how much the mill can shift away from the U.S. to mitigate potential tariffs as the Canadian market is relatively small for a producer the size of Port Hawkesbury Paper. The mill is focusing on what it can control like operating costs and diversifying to expand markets.
Nova Scotia businesses brace for impact as 50% U.S. tariffs take effect while others wonder why they’re exempt, for now
