Mississauga Strengthens Support for Local Businesses Amid Ongoing U.S. Trade Uncertainty

City outlines progress on Partners in Trade plan as tariff pressures continue to affect key sectors

MISSISSAUGA — With U.S. trade uncertainty continuing to affect local industries, the City of Mississauga has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting businesses through its Partners in Trade initiative. An update presented to the Planning and Development Committee on November 24 highlighted ongoing work in advocacy, procurement, market engagement and business support designed to help companies navigate tariff-related disruptions.

While most Canadian goods still enter the U.S. tariff-free under CUSMA, targeted tariffs remain in place for high-impact sectors such as automotive, steel, aluminum, copper and lumber. Mississauga officials say the uncertainty around future trade actions continues to influence business confidence, investment decisions and hiring.

City data shows that job postings in tariff-sensitive sectors fell 28 percent year-over-year, with manufacturers, transportation firms and warehousing operators feeling the greatest impact. Despite these pressures, Mississauga attracted 47 new investments valued at $1.2 billion in 2025, generating 3,300 new jobs across the city.

Did you miss Planning & Development Committee yesterday?

Highlights include:
• Another milestone for the redevelopment of Rangeview estates, a 63-acre site on Mississauga’s waterfront.
• Update on Partners in Trade, a city-wide effort to help local businesses navigate US… pic.twitter.com/comx4Oo3ZQ

— City of Mississauga (@citymississauga) November 25, 2025

Local Response: Partners in Trade Plan

Mississauga’s Council adopted the Partners in Trade Response Plan in March to address the economic risks associated with cross-border trade tensions. While trade policy remains a federal matter, the City’s plan focuses on municipal tools that can support stability and competitiveness, including:

• Advocacy and procurement strategies

• Industry and market engagement

• Business supports and services

Over the past year, City staff have held more than 100 consultations with local business leaders through roundtables and direct outreach. The feedback gathered has helped identify priority areas for Mississauga’s ongoing advocacy, including recommendations Mayor Carolyn Parrish has urged the federal government to act on ahead of the formal CUSMA 2026 review.

Mayor Carolyn Parrish emphasized the strength of Mississauga’s business community:

“Mississauga’s economy has shown remarkable strength despite U.S. tariffs. Our manufacturers, innovators, and exporters are resilient. As trade talks evolve, we’ll keep working with all levels of government and industry to protect jobs, support local businesses and strengthen economic resilience.”

Looking Ahead: Building Resilience and Diversification

Mississauga has already applied for provincial funding through the Trade Impacted Communities Program. If approved, the funding would support small and medium-sized enterprises in diversifying their export markets and strengthening local supply chain capabilities.

With federal-U.S. negotiations ongoing, the City says it will maintain close engagement with local businesses while working with provincial, federal and industry partners to help protect jobs and promote long-term economic resilience.

Source: City of Mississauga — Official News Release, November 25, 2025