Gov. Spencer Cox of Utah is leading a trade mission to Canada next week in an effort to identify business opportunities amid escalating tariff policies that threaten international trade. President Trump recently announced a 25% tariff on many Canadian imports, making Canada Utah’s second biggest trading partner.
Former ambassador Jeff Flake will join Cox on the mission, along with state agency heads and local company executives. The delegation aims to navigate the current trade environment without criticizing the Trump administration, focusing instead on benefiting Utah businesses.
The mission will be the first trip to Canada by a United States governor since the tariff announcement in January. Canada has also implemented retaliatory tariffs, further complicating the trade relationship between the two countries.
The delegation will travel to Montreal and Toronto to meet with the U.S. Consulate and participate in various events with Canadian companies specializing in critical mineral extraction and artificial intelligence. Strengthening ties with Canada will create strategic opportunities for Utah businesses to expand, innovate, and compete globally.
Utah’s economic relationship with Canada is significant, with $1.7 billion in exports to Canada and $3 billion in imports in 2023. Top exports include plastics products and motor vehicle parts, while top imports include processed non-iron metals and cattle.
The trade mission aims to showcase Utah’s economic success on the global stage and open doors for businesses to establish relationships with Canadian trade partners. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure Utah companies remain competitive and the state’s economy stays resilient amid changing trade policies.
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