WINNIPEG — Manitoba businesses who trade heavily with the United States are watching with cautious optimism as the 45th president of the U.S is sworn in Friday.
Donald Trump has previously said he’s in favor of changing the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) to turn the focus on more protectionist measures.
Manitoba Chambers of Commerce head, Chuck Davidson, said there is definitely a level of uncertainty among the business community.
“Almost $16 billion of trade is done between the province and the US, so what is going to happen after today?” Davidson asked.
Davidson was one of hundreds attending a chamber breakfast Friday morning where US Consul to Winnipeg, Christopher Gunning, addressed the crowd.
Gunning said he believes too many people are “reading tea leaves” to try and predict how Trump might impact trade policy.
“While there may be rough patches and there’s going to be choppy ones, don’t forget the relationship between Canada and the United States is not only fundamental, it is transcendental, in terms of how two economies function,” Gunning said.
“These two economies are too closely integrated for us to freak out,” Gunning added.
Andrew Dickson, Manitoba Pork Council General Manager, told Global News he remains cautiously optimistic.
“I have a very hard time believing we’re going to tear up NAFTA and walk away from a deal that’s been a huge benefit to the United States’ economy,” Dickson said.
In 2015 Manitoba exports south of the border topped 16 billion dollars. Agriculture, meats, metals and minerals topped the list.