Canada-U.S. Business Brief

JULY 23, 2026

Canada-U.S. trade corridor

Bridge traffic opening remains set for July 27

The Gordie Howe International Bridge is still scheduled to open to traffic on July 27. Canada has cancelled the planned joint Canada-U.S. celebration and will instead mark the milestone domestically on July 24 amid the latest trade dispute.

Why it matters: The operating date, not the ceremony, is the business-critical milestone for shippers, employers and commuters in the Detroit-Windsor corridor.

Sources: Canada opening notice  |  Reuters status update  |  CUSBA statement

Canada-U.S. trade measures

New tariff action raises an August 19 decision point

USTR announced additional 50% tariffs on nearly $20 billion in imports from Canada, with the action stated to take effect in 30 days. Canada says it is engaging the United States while examining sector impacts and continuing CUSMA discussions.

Why it matters: Members with exposure to vehicles, alcohol, dairy and related inputs need a clear product, contract and timing view before the stated effective date.

Sources: USTR statement  |  Global Affairs Canada readout

Canada

Canadian CPI rose 2.8% year over year in June

Statistics Canada reported that the Consumer Price Index rose 2.8% in June, down from 3.2% in May. On a seasonally adjusted monthly basis, CPI declined 0.1%.

Why it matters: The inflation reading is a practical input for pricing, wage, interest-rate and cross-border budgeting assumptions.

Sources: Statistics Canada CPI release

United States

U.S. May trade deficit reached $77.6 billion

BEA and the U.S. Census Bureau reported a $77.6 billion goods and services deficit in May, up $23.0 billion from April. May exports were $317.7 billion and imports were $395.3 billion.

Why it matters: The movement offers a current U.S. demand and import-flow signal for Canadian exporters and binational supply-chain planners.

Sources: BEA and U.S. Census release

CANADA EXPORTS

+0.9%

CANADA IMPORTS

-0.2%

CANADA SURPLUS

$4.2B

U.S. DEFICIT

$77.6B

United States / CUSMA

Agreement stays in force during annual review

The three governments completed the scheduled July 1 joint review of USMCA/CUSMA. USTR said the United States did not agree to renew the agreement in its current form, while confirming that it remains in force pending resolution or termination.

Why it matters: Companies should treat current CUSMA rules as operative while preparing for a longer period of policy and compliance uncertainty.

Sources: USTR joint-review statement  |  Canada trade-relations readout

Canada / monetary conditions

Bank of Canada holds the policy rate at 2.25%

The Bank of Canada maintained its overnight target at 2.25% on July 15. Its release cited a recovering economy alongside elevated uncertainty tied to global events and U.S. trade policy.

Why it matters: Stable borrowing costs help with near-term planning, but the Bank's emphasis on uncertainty reinforces the need for flexible capital and inventory assumptions.

Sources: Bank of Canada decision

CUSBA Supports the Opening and Full Operational Launch

A landmark investment in Canada-U.S. competitiveness

“This transformational project represents far more than a new border crossing. It is a historic investment in the future economic strength, resiliency, and competitiveness of both Canada and the United States.”

CUSBA identifies the Detroit-Windsor gateway as a critical artery for manufacturing, automotive production, logistics, agriculture and cross-border commerce. Its statement emphasizes that the bridge can strengthen supply-chain reliability, reduce congestion, improve freight efficiency and add essential infrastructure redundancy.

Current status: traffic remains scheduled to begin July 27. The planned joint celebration has been cancelled; Canada plans a domestic commemoration on July 24.

Sources: CUSBA statement  |  Canada opening notice  |  Latest status report

United States / cross-border freight

Port Huron smart-freight corridor moves forward

The U.S. Department of Transportation lists a $1.806 million implementation project for a smart freight corridor at Port Huron's Blue Water Bridge. The project is designed to test technology that supports truck-borne goods movement at the U.S.-Canada border.

Why it matters: The Blue Water crossing is a major Michigan-Ontario route, making border technology and truck-flow improvements directly relevant to regional carriers and shippers.

Sources: U.S. DOT smart-freight report

Canada / rail readiness

Canada launches rail-safety improvement calls

Transport Canada launched calls for proposals under its Rail Safety Improvement Program, covering education and awareness as well as infrastructure, technology and research. The initiative seeks practical projects that strengthen rail safety performance.

Why it matters: For rail-dependent manufacturers and logistics providers, safety investments support more resilient freight networks and better operational risk management.

Sources: Transport Canada release

United States / Michigan manufacturing

Michigan approves $31.2 million in two expansions

Michigan announced $31.2 million in investment across two companies in Wayne and Charlevoix counties. The projects include a Ricardo, LLC manufacturing-capacity expansion in Wayne County and an LM Marine Services expansion.

Why it matters: New capacity in Michigan can create supplier, talent and commercial opportunities for Ontario and Canadian firms serving regional manufacturing clusters.

Sources: Michigan Economic Development Corporation

Canada / Ontario aerospace & defence

Ontario invests nearly $2.6 million in aerospace support

Ontario announced nearly $2.6 million for Downsview Aerospace Innovation & Research through its Trade-Impacted Communities Program. The funding supports a broader $3.2 million initiative focused on workforce protection, supply-chain resilience and defence-readiness opportunities.

Why it matters: The program is relevant to cross-border aerospace and defence suppliers planning for new procurement, resilience and export opportunities.

Sources: Ontario announcement

Consul General Colin Bird

Over the past four years, Consul General Colin Bird has been a trusted advocate for Canada and a respected voice on automotive trade, energy security, Great Lakes stewardship, and the Gordie Howe International Bridge. His work with political, business, academic, and cultural leaders has strengthened partnerships across the region.

Colin also helped advance the Gordie Howe International Bridge toward its opening, supporting a landmark connection that will strengthen trade, mobility, and prosperity on both sides of the border.

At the Consulate General, Colin guided a team through major transition, welcoming 10 new staff members to an office of 18. During his tenure, the business team contributed to more than 150 commercial success stories.

Based in Detroit and deeply engaged across Michigan, Colin also made more than 60 trips to Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana to advance Canada's business, political, cultural, and security relationships.

Colin will retire this August. He told CUSBA that he “left the best for last,” reflecting his affection for the region and its people. CUSBA extends its sincere appreciation and best wishes for his next chapter.