The impact of U.S. tariffs on Windsor-Essex businesses remained a top priority for business owners as 2025 ended.
That was according to the fourth-quarter report released on Monday by Invest WindsorEssex (IWE), which outlined the challenges local businesses continue to face in the wake of tariffs imposed by the Trump administration.
The report said that businesses relying on steel have been hit hard.
"Large users of steel as a manufacturing input are particularly impacted as they need to find U.S. suppliers to avoid tariffs when the final product is exported to the U.S," read the report. "Many local exporters are still navigating U.S. Customs regulations and paperwork."
Since tariffs were put into effect, IWE has hosted events allowing trade experts to provide local businesses with resources and information.
In addition, supply chain issues were also a concern raised by business owners in the report, as they adapt their supply arrangements to favour Canadian businesses.
Another issue raised by businesses was the labour market. Despite companies such as NextStar Energy and Stellantis hiring, smaller businesses are having a harder time staffing qualified people.
Despite the challenges caused by tariffs, Invest WindsorEssex supported close to $400-million in local investments for 2025.
"When you’re a little uncertain of your job or outlook and the money coming in, you have to make sure of cuts," said IWE Chief Executive Officer Gordon Orr. "It has been a challenging time without question, but at the same time, there have been a number of success stories."
Those success stories have included the $297-million pledge by The Minth Group, which is expanding a site adjacent to Windsor Airport, creating 1,099 jobs.
The complete fourth-quarter report is available on Invest WindsorEssex's official website.
