US tariffs hit BC Indigenous exporters amid trade tensions

Some firms double down on Canadian markets while others register in the U.S. to expand opportunities The impacts of wide-reaching U.S. tariffs imposed in March and its economic uncertainty have spawned operational, shipping and consumer demand challenges for B.C. Indigenous businesses. However, some local businesses are successfully adjusting to the new landscape by focusing their operations either in Canada, or across the border. "Tariff uncertainty creates uncertainty for the businesses. It makes it harder for them to continue [operating]," said Matthew Foss, Canadian Council for Indigenous Business vice-president of research and public policy. "How do you operate businesses, particularly small…