REPORT: Business concerns over supply chains surge 168% as trade pressures mount

Strategic investment in trade infrastructure and diversification needed to support growth, market access and economic resilience

Calgary, AB, April 3, 2025 – Canada’s economy relies on trade, but strained supply chains, aging infrastructure, and an overreliance on the United States are putting that at risk. According to the most recent data from Statistics Canada’s Canadian Survey on Business Conditions, there has been a 168% year-over-year increase in businesses that expect supply chains to deteriorate – now at two-thirds, highlighting the urgent need for action.

“Trade isn’t just about exports — it’s about jobs, affordability and access to the goods and services Canadians rely on every day,” says Ruhee Ismail-Teja, Vice President, Policy & External Affairs at the Calgary Chamber of Commerce. “A strong trade system supports resilient supply chains, expands market access and builds the infrastructure we need for long-term prosperity. But our trade networks have fallen behind. With rising global uncertainty and growing pressure on supply chains, we must act now to protect and grow the Canadian economy by investing in infrastructure, improving internal trade and diversifying our international relationships.”

The rising concern among businesses signals more than temporary disruption — it points to systemic weaknesses that could undermine Canada’s long-term economic resilience. Without investment in trade infrastructure and coordinated policy improvements, Canada risks falling further behind its global peers, losing ground on competitiveness and ultimately increasing productivity and prosperity.

Trade by the numbers

• Two-thirds of businesses expect supply chains to worsen over the next year, and only 2% expect supply chain conditions to improve 
• Canada has fallen from 10th to 26th in global supply chain reliability in the past 15 years 
• Canada ranks 32nd in transportation infrastructure, down from 6th 
• 76% of Canadians believe it should be easier to trade within Canada, and interprovincial trade barriers amount to the equivalent of a 21% tariff between provinces 
• 72% of Canadians believe Canada should be less reliant on the U.S. 
• SMEs account for 42% of exports to the U.S. and 41% globally 
• Less than half of Canadians believe the government has positioned Canada as a reliable trading partner 

To strengthen Canada’s position in the global economy, the Calgary Chamber recommends:

• Investing in trade-enabling infrastructure including ports, pipelines, rail and roads. 
• Diversifying trade, expanding access to European, Asian and South American markets. 
• Reducing internal trade barriers and resolving trade irritants with international partners. 
• Supporting small and medium-sized exporters with tools to navigate foreign markets and reduce non-tariff barriers. 
• Advancing a national supply chain strategy that boosts resilience and reliability. 

We have a choice — that’s been clear throughout this ongoing trade war and a key theme of our advocacy work,” says Ismail-Teja. “Canada can continue reacting to global trade disruptions — or we can lead by investing in infrastructure, supporting our businesses and securing our economic future.”

About Inflection Point

Inflection Point is a plan for a competitive, productive and prosperous Canada. It outlines 82 evidence-based policy recommendations across five pillars, shaped by extensive consultation with businesses and Canadians through roundtables, surveys and national polling. These recommendations are intended for all political parties, elected officials and civil servants — recognizing that both government and the business community have a shared responsibility to address Canada’s most pressing challenges.

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About the Calgary Chamber of Commerce

The Calgary Chamber of Commerce exists to help businesses reach their potential. As the convenor and catalyst for a vibrant, inclusive and prosperous business community, the Chamber works to build strength and resilience among its members and position Calgary as a magnet for talent, diversification and opportunity. As an independent, non-profit, non-partisan organization founded in 1891, we build on our history to serve and advocate for businesses of all sizes, in all sectors across the city.

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Brittany Brander, Manager, Public Relations & Communications
media@calgarychamber.com