Resolution Urging the Federal Government to Protect and Promote Trade With Canada and Mexico by Opposing Harmful Tariffs
Adopted at the Winter Leadership Meeting: Executive Committee in 2025
WHEREAS, Canada and Mexico are the United States top two trading partners, with total trade reaching $1.6 trillion in 2024, according to recent data from the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR); and
WHEREAS, trade with Canada alone amounted to $762.1 billion in 2024, supporting 8 million U.S. jobs and facilitating economic growth in cities and communities across the country; and
WHEREAS, trade with Mexico totaled $839.9 billion in 2024, further integrating supply chains and fostering economic cooperation that benefits American businesses and consumers; and
WHEREAS, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) has strengthened North American trade, ensuring stability, reducing barriers, and creating new opportunities for businesses of all sizes; and
WHEREAS, increasing tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico would disrupt supply chains, raise costs for American businesses, and lead to higher prices for consumers; and
WHEREAS, tariffs would disproportionately impact manufacturing, agriculture, and automotive industries, which rely heavily on cross-border trade and integrated production networks; and
WHEREAS, since tariffs are passed on to the consumer, examples of where municipal costs will go up include infrastructure maintenance, renewal and development; municipal fleet and machinery; affordable housing projects, energy use and distribution; IT and consulting services.
WHEREAS, retaliatory tariffs from Canada and Mexico in response to U.S. tariffs could further harm American exporters, including small and medium-sized businesses that depend on international markets; and
WHEREAS, free and fair trade with Canada and Mexico enhances U.S. competitiveness, strengthens diplomatic relations, and ensures economic stability in North America; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the U.S. Conference of Mayors urges the federal government to protect and promote trade with Canada and Mexico rather than implementing new tariffs that would harm businesses, workers, and consumers on all sides of the border; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the U.S. Conference of Mayors supports policies that reinforce the USMCA, encourage investment, and facilitate the efficient movement of goods across borders to sustain economic prosperity and job creation in U.S. cities.