Wednesday, October 7, 2026English edition
TheBinational

Country risk, from the local press

Canada · Country watch

Quebec Election Result, US Tariffs Impact Trade

Quebec's election results shift political dynamics, while US tariffs impact Canadian exports and trade surplus.

The picture Deteriorating

Business conditions in Canada are deteriorating due to Quebec's election results shifting political dynamics and new US tariffs impacting trade. Exporters face increased costs and uncertainty.

In this briefing StatCan · United States · Paul St-Pierre Plamondon · Parti Québécois

Regulation

Nothing significant reported today.

Disruption

Nothing significant reported today.

Internal tension

Nothing significant reported today.

Safety & health

Nothing significant reported today.

Companies

Nothing significant reported today.

Markets

  • finance
  • logistics

Canada's trade surplus with US nearly doubles

a group of five different bills sitting on top of each other
PiggyBank / Unsplash

Canada's trade surplus with the United States nearly doubled to $11.2 billion, according to the Financial Post. Despite this positive trade balance, economists warn that the outlook remains uncertain without a new trade agreement with the US. The increased surplus highlights the importance of the US market for Canadian goods, but ongoing trade tensions and tariffs could threaten future trade relations.

Impact Canadian exporters benefit from a larger trade surplus, but face uncertainty without a new US trade deal.

Sources: Financial Post ↗

Trade

  • logistics
  • manufacturing
  • agriculture

Canadian exports to US surged before new tariffs

Canadian exports to the United States increased by 8.1% in August, just before a new round of 50% tariffs on Canadian goods was implemented at the end of the month, according to Global News. The surge was likely a response to anticipated trade barriers, as businesses sought to move goods before the tariffs took effect. The tariffs, imposed by the US, could significantly affect Canadian exporters, particularly in manufacturing and agriculture sectors.

Impact Canadian exporters to the US face increased costs and reduced competitiveness due to new 50% tariffs.

Sources: Global News ↗

Politics

  • public-sector

Paul St-Pierre Plamondon's PQ wins Quebec election

Paul St-Pierre Plamondon's Parti Québécois (PQ) won the Quebec election, according to Radio Canada and Le Devoir. It remains unclear whether the PQ will form a majority or minority government. This victory marks a significant shift in Quebec's political landscape, potentially affecting provincial policies and relations with the federal government. The PQ's win could influence future decisions on language laws and autonomy, impacting businesses operating in Quebec.

Impact Businesses in Quebec face potential changes in provincial policies affecting operations and regulations.

Sources: Radio Canada ↗, Le Devoir ↗

Also today in Canada

Sources in this briefing

Sources: each headline links to the original article on the publisher's site.

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