With the deadline for a 50-percent tariff in the U.S. approaching, numerous businesses in British Columbia are experiencing significant anxiety regarding the possible repercussions on their financial performance.
“It represents an existential threat,” expressed Blaine Maryniuk, co-founder of West Coast Walls.
Maryniuk, whose company produces wallpaper, stickers, and decals, mentioned that between 25 to 50 percent of his sales are directed towards the United States on a monthly basis.
“I think about it every day,” he noted.
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His concerns arise as the tariff deadline on Wednesday approaches, leading Prime Minister Mark Carney to describe the negotiations with the United States as “delicate” and “intense.”
Blaine Maryniuk, co-founder of West Coast Walls, expresses that the looming U.S. tariffs are causing him distress. (Baneet Braich/CBC)
Negotiations on tariffs escalate
Dominic LeBlanc, Canada’s Trade Minister, along with chief trade negotiator Janice Charette, has engaged in several discussions with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer over the past three weeks to not only avert the proposed Section 338 tariffs but also to negotiate a reduction in the current Section 232 tariffs on industrial goods such as steel, aluminum, automobiles, and lumber, in exchange for certain concessions from Canada.
The United States justifies these tariffs by citing perceived discrimination from Canada against its automobile, dairy, and alcohol industries.
For instance, it seeks to restore U.S. liquor sales in provincially operated stores.
Prime Minister Mark Carney addresses mill workers in West Kelowna, B.C., following the announcement of support for Canada’s lumber industry in August 2025. (Brady Strachan/CBC)
Wood product tariffs threaten profitability
The newest set of proposed tariffs includes levies on wood products, putting B.C. at particular risk.
“Many businesses will be forced to lay off workers—uncertain if they can endure,” stated Kelly Marciniw, a board member of the B.C. Log & Timber Building Industry Association. “It’s not just the cost of tariffs; there will be additional paperwork and tracking involved, along with the uncertainty.”
Bhavjeet Thandi, CFO of Richmond Plywood, voiced his company’s growing concerns about the situation.
“If these tariffs are enacted, Richmond Plywood will essentially stop making sales to the U.S. almost immediately,” Thandi warned. “This will greatly affect our profit margins.”
He added that roughly 20 percent of the company’s products are exported to the U.S.
Alex Mitchell, CEO of the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce, mentioned that over 300 businesses in the city export products to the United States.
She indicated that Abbotsford alone contributes around $1.5 billion in yearly exports.
Mitchell noted that many of these exporters rely on the U.S. market for up to 90 percent of their business.
“With the constantly shifting tariff environment, it becomes extremely difficult for both customers and suppliers to sustain strong trading relationships,” she remarked.
Abbotsford is a B.C. city near the U.S. border with many businesses dependent on trade. The local chamber of commerce cautions that tariffs can disrupt customer and supplier relationships. (CBC)
Uncertainty persists
Carney and U.S. President Donald Trump had a phone conversation on Monday afternoon, according to a spokesperson for the prime minister, who did not disclose additional details about their discussion.
In the interim, businesses are anxiously monitoring the situation.
“It has truly been overwhelming,” Maryniuk stated.
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