A looming trade war with Canada has business industry experts and advocates worried and hoping the two sides can hammer out a deal before the September deadline.
The New England-Canada Business Council, which works to strengthen the region’s economic relationship with Canada, says many industries depend on cross-border trade.
Beyond fishing, lobstering and paper, the council says everything from gasoline for cars to jet fuel and other industries could be affected by an escalating trade war.
“A remarkable number of jobs in New England are directly tied to Canadian exports and imports. For all the New England states, Canada is either the biggest or second-biggest importer and the biggest or second-biggest export market,” New England-Canada Business Council President John Gulliver said.
Gulliver says reaching a deal would benefit both sides of the border.
“It’s of vital importance and mutual benefit and strengthens both our economies if we can get our negotiators back to the table and work out a fair, balanced, durable trade agreement,” Gulliver said.