More than 136,000 jobs in British Columbia are directly linked to demand for goods in the United States.
A new report from Business Council of British Columbia (BCBC) highlights the serious economic consequences for the province if the president-elect of the United States Donald Trump follows through on its tariff threat.
The report indicates that the United States is British Columbia’s largest trading partner. Between January and November 2024, the province exported $26.4 billion worth of goods, mainly through its ministries of Energy and Forestry, according to the release.
Natural resources, including energy, forestry, metals, agriculture and fishing products, account for 69 per cent of British Columbia’s exports to the United States, the report says.
“The United States is B.C.’s largest trading partner, and any disruption to our trade relationship would impact our economy,” said report author and BCBC policy director Jairo Yunis.
Get the latest national news
For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up to receive breaking news alerts sent directly to you as they happen.
“Trade, however, is a two-way street. American consumers and businesses would also face the impacts of new tariffs – a critical point we must continue to emphasize. Trade offers no win-lose scenarios, only opportunities for mutual benefit or shared loss.
The report calls for unity among provincial and business leaders and asks the government to address domestic challenges to attract investment and better position British Columbia to counter the negative impact of U.S. tariffs.
On Thursday, British Columbia’s finance minister said Trump’s plan prices would have devastating effects on the province’s economy and growth.
Brenda Bailey told a news conference the tariffs would be “unprecedented in modern times.”
If the tariffs are implemented, it would result in a $69 billion loss to B.C.’s economy and 124,000 fewer jobs by 2028, Bailey said.
Bailey also said investment would decline, with corporate profits falling by billions in 2025 and 2026.
The unemployment rate would increase to 6.7 percent in 2025 and could reach 7.1 percent in 2026.
© 2025 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.