Call comes less than one week before Canadian retaliatory tariffs on the United States take effect as uncertainty continues over the future of the USMCA Agreement
Washington D.C., United States, Wednesday September 2nd 2026: The Airforwarders Association (AfA) is urging policymakers in the United States and Canada to resume trade talks before Canadian retaliatory tariffs covering USD 27.6 billion of U.S. imports take effect on September 8.
“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,” said Brandon Fried, Executive Director, Airforwarders Association.
“Both governments need to get back around the negotiating table before this dispute escalates further.”
An AfA member survey published in February found 83 percent of forwarders had suffered reduced shipping volumes as a direct result of U.S. import tariffs, while more than half reported changes to customer supply chains and shipping routes.
“Forwarders are already seeing what prolonged trade uncertainty means on the ground, and further tariffs risk putting additional pressure on costs, prices, and employment,” said Fried.
The dispute comes amid continuing uncertainty over the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which underpins nearly USD 2 trillion in annual U.S. goods and services trade within North America.
“The United States, Canada, and Mexico have built highly integrated economies and supply chains, and preserving that relationship matters for businesses and consumers across the continent,” said Fried.
“Disagreements will arise, but they should be resolved through negotiation rather than an escalating cycle of tariffs.”
The AfA will continue engaging with policymakers on trade policy and its impact on freight forwarders, their customers, and the wider U.S. economy.