Uncertainty around U.S. tariffs causing chaos, forcing N.S. businesses to adapt

The recent announcement of a 30-day pause on sweeping U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods has brought some relief to businesses like Freeman Lumber and Louisbourg Seafoods, who have been grappling with uncertainty and challenges due to the tariff threat.

Freeman Lumber, based in Greenfield, N.S., faced a tumultuous period as they tried to navigate the impact of the tariffs on their American customers. With over half of their products destined for the U.S. market, the company had to make significant adjustments to their operations, including shipping lumber in advance and renegotiating contracts with customers.

Marcus Zwicker, the chief operating officer of Freeman Lumber, described the situation as chaotic and unpredictable. The company had to deal with changes in customer behavior and contractual terms, all while trying to plan for an uncertain future. Despite the challenges, Zwicker emphasized the importance of focusing on things within their control.

Louisbourg Seafoods, a seafood processing company in Louisbourg, N.S., also felt the effects of the tariff threat. With a significant portion of their products exported to the United States, the company had to rethink their strategies and explore new markets to mitigate the impact of the tariffs.

Allan MacLean, the chief operating officer of Louisbourg Seafoods, highlighted the difficulties of shipping fresh fish and the challenges of adapting to changing customer patterns. The company is exploring opportunities in Europe to diversify their customer base, but MacLean acknowledged that pivoting in a short timeframe is not easy.

Both businesses are now cautiously optimistic with the temporary pause on tariffs, but they remain vigilant and prepared for any future developments. The uncertainty caused by the tariff threat has underscored the importance of adaptability and resilience in the face of unpredictable trade policies.