Langley Manufacturers Tackle U.S. Tariffs with Chamber Toolkit

Manufacturers in Langley, British Columbia, are grappling with the repercussions of U.S. tariffs and evolving trade regulations. Companies like Pacific Bolt Manufacturing Ltd. have found themselves largely excluded from the American market due to these tariffs. President Trevor Borland revealed that prior to the tariffs implemented in March 2025, sales to the U.S. constituted approximately “five to 10 percent” of the company’s total revenue. The situation worsened when Canada lifted its retaliatory tariffs in September 2025, a move that failed to revive lost business.

In response to this trade uncertainty, the Langley Chamber of Commerce has developed a comprehensive tariff toolkit designed to assist local businesses in navigating the complexities of U.S. and Canadian trade measures. This resource provides updates on tariff regulations and directs companies to federal and provincial programs that offer potential exemptions or rebates. Borland emphasized the importance of this toolkit for local firms, particularly as businesses often experience extensive delays when communicating with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) or federal authorities. He noted, “You can be waiting for three to six months for answers,” a situation that can be exacerbated by unexpected cost spikes.

The challenges continue for Pacific Bolt, now facing a new 25-percent surtax on steel derivatives that took effect on December 26, 2025. “Because taxes came in so quickly, we could not adjust purchasing,” Borland explained. As he looks ahead, he advocates for a stronger focus on local sourcing, especially for large infrastructure projects. He pointed out that the Surrey-Langley SkyTrain project has been procuring a significant amount of its steel and fasteners from suppliers outside the province or country. “Request local products. Buy from companies that are locally owned and employ local people,” he urged.

In contrast, Freybe Gourmet Foods, which produces German-style deli meats and sausages from its base in Walnut Grove, has experienced a different impact from tariffs. President Angela Doro stated that while the company has largely avoided disruptions in U.S. sales, rising costs are inevitably passed on to consumers. “All costs and non-value-added regulatory costs impact the consumers purchasing product. Higher costs on food are always a challenge to the end consumer,” Doro noted.

The lifting of Canada’s retaliatory tariffs provided some relief for Freybe, particularly in eliminating additional costs associated with importing products packaged in the U.S. Doro highlighted the significance of the chamber’s toolkit in helping businesses swiftly comprehend trade changes, describing the Langley chamber as “a trusted advocate and easy resource to get easy-to-understand information.”

Despite current stability, Doro expressed concerns about the potential for broader tariffs that could affect competitiveness. “We have real concerns if the U.S.A. imposes tariffs on all products, and if we counter tariff in the same manner, as the U.S.A. is a marketplace that we are working hard and investing in to grow our revenue,” she stated, emphasizing the growth opportunities available in the U.S. market.

As both companies navigate the challenges posed by tariffs, their strategies diverge. While Pacific Bolt seeks to strengthen local supply chains, Freybe is diversifying its export markets by targeting countries such as Japan and Korea. This approach allows them to mitigate risks associated with U.S. tariffs and explore new avenues for growth.

The tariff toolkit provided by the Langley Chamber of Commerce stands as a vital resource for local businesses, offering insights and guidance as they adapt to the shifting landscape of international trade. As the impacts of tariffs continue to unfold, the experiences of these manufacturers underscore the importance of local sourcing and diversified markets in maintaining economic resilience.