Brampton’s Tariff Action Plan: Strengthening Local Economic Resilience

In response to new U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods and unprecedented trade disruptions in 2025, the City of Brampton became one of the first Canadian municipalities to launch a strategic economic recovery initiative: the Tariff Action Plan. This city-led plan directly addresses the economic impact on local businesses, jobs and exports, strengthening resilience, fostering diversification and reducing dependence on a single market.

With more than 111,000 businesses operating in Brampton, the plan was developed to support companies of all sizes, especially the 500+ exporters to the U.S. employing over 32,000 residents. Key impacted sectors include advanced manufacturing (1,500 companies, $4B national GDP), automotive (25% of Brampton’s manufacturing jobs), metal and aluminum manufacturing (60 firms, 4,000 jobs), and food and beverage processing (300 companies, $1.3B national GDP).

The Tariff Action Plan is structured around three recovery pillars:

1. Connect, Support & Advocate
   • Launch of a centralized Tariff Resource Hub, giving businesses real-time trade intelligence, funding guidance and sector-specific support.
   • A new “Made in Canada” Procurement Policy, prioritizing Brampton- and Canada-made goods and services in the City’s purchasing decisions.
   • National advocacy through the Stand for Canada campaign and active collaboration with other municipalities via the FCM’s City-to-City network.
2. Economic Diversification
   • Rollout of the Go Global initiative, led by Brampton’s Economic Development Office and the Brampton Entrepreneur Centre, supporting businesses with export readiness training, market entry resources and supply chain reorientation.
   • Ongoing engagement with provincial programs to strengthen interprovincial trade and reduce cross-border risk.
3. Investment Attraction
   • Adjusted incentives including $0 City Development Charges for new office projects and industrial expansions under 50% gross floor area growth.
   • Messaging to global investors reinforced Brampton’s strong logistics infrastructure, diverse talent pipeline and collaborative ecosystem.

Leadership & Collaboration

Brampton’s Economic Development Office led the inaugural Mayor’s Tariff Task Force in April 2025, convening leaders from business, government and key sectors. Insights from this roundtable informed real-time refinements to the Action Plan, including targeted training, incentive adjustments and policy direction.

Early Results & Momentum

Within the first 30 days, over 200 businesses engaged through the Resource Hub and Task Force outreach. Businesses reported increased awareness of procurement policy changes, improved market navigation and tangible next steps for export diversification.

Sustainability & Long-Term Vision

This project is more than a response; it is a strategic realignment of Brampton’s economic foundations. The Tariff Action Plan advances inclusive recovery, long-term resilience and sustainable growth. It positions Brampton not only to recover from today’s crisis but to thrive in tomorrow’s global economy.

www.investbrampton.ca/tariffs