Mississauga businesses impacted by the Canada-U.S. trade war will get a chance to make key global connections at an international trade summit taking place in the city this fall.

The inaugural Mississauga International Trade Summit 2026 is described by organizers as “a high-energy, high-impact business forum bringing together global trade leaders, exporters, industry experts and decision-makers for one powerful day of insight, strategy and connection.”

Hosted by the Mississauga Board of Trade, which represents some 1,000 larger businesses across the city in addition to numerous smaller operations, the full-day summit takes place on Nov. 10 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Mississauga Convention Centre.

The board of trade said the summit “is designed to help businesses unlock new international opportunities, navigate global markets with confidence and build the connections needed to grow beyond borders in a city that is a powerhouse for international commerce, logistics, manufacturing, technology and innovation.”

Global markets are changing fast

MBOT officials added global markets are changing fast “and Canadian businesses must be ready to compete, expand and lead internationally.”

In lending its full support to the board of trade, the City of Mississauga said last week it will stand up for small- and medium-sized businesses and jobs during the uncertain times caused by Canada-U.S. trade tensions.

Responding to what they call “unfair trade tariffs,” city officials met on Aug. 25 with MBOT “to map out ways the city can advocate for and support small- and medium-sized businesses and jobs disrupted by uncertainty.”

The city said suspension of trade negotiations on Aug. 21 between the two nations and subsequent escalation of U.S. tariff policies against Canada “present a significant and ongoing threat to Mississauga’s businesses and workers.”

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One way to fight back, the city determined, is for many of Mississauga’s businesses to “diversify into non-U.S. markets” as the trade war intensifies.

Mississauga’s mayoral candidates also weighed in last week on the trade war and its impact on the city.

Join #MBOT on November 10th for our Mississauga International Trade Summit – an exciting day of expert speakers, workshops, and networking with global trade leaders, exporters, and industry professionals.

Register now, or book a Trade Show booth, today: https://t.co/aszpnxBbHk pic.twitter.com/5TekZExV5a

— Mississauga Board of Trade (@MBOTOntario) August 26, 2026

 

Canadian PM called off talks in the U.S. on Aug. 21

The rejection on Aug. 21 by Prime Minister Mark Carney of a proposed U.S. trade agreement — described by the PM as a “bad deal” — and subsequent suspension of talks between the two nations has raised the temperature on both sides of the border.

The breakdown in negotiations also led to the introduction by the U.S. of 50 per cent tariffs that target $28 billion in Canadian goods ranging from hockey sticks and honey to essential oils and dairy products. After being delayed by several days by U.S. President Donald Trump, the new round of tariffs took effect Aug. 22.

Carney, who promised retaliatory tariffs will take effect on Sept. 8, called off talks with the Americans after accusing the U.S. administration of introducing measures that included restrictions on Canada’s ability to do deals with other countries.

Earlier in August, Mississauga doubled down on its commitment to “buy local” amid the strained trade relationship between Canada and the U.S.

Trump’s second term began with a tariff surprise

Trump returned to the White House following the November 2024 election after having previously served from 2016 to 2020.

Not long after taking office for his second term, Trump in short order targeted Canada and other countries, including Mexico, with surprise tariffs in early 2025.

The City of Mississauga responded quickly by offering additional support to local businesses and vowing to help in any other way it could.

Among the city’s responses in March 2025:

An amendment to the city’s procurement bylaw that allowed the city to “prioritize Canadian and non-U.S. suppliers, especially for medium- and high-value projects, and streamline the process to support more local, diverse and smaller businesses.”
A “Choose Canada” campaign launched in February 2025 encouraging residents and businesses to support the local economy by purchasing Canadian-made products and services.


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