A recent study reveals that more than a year after new tariffs and trade disruptions were implemented, Canadian small businesses continue to face significant challenges. According to the 2026 Canadian Small Business Report by Merchant Growth, a considerable proportion of small business owners report that they have not seen sufficient support from government initiatives or the Buy Canadian movement to alleviate their difficulties. The report indicates that 52% of small businesses that have been impacted by tariffs are performing worse than they did prior to these trade measures.
The findings also reveal that nearly 65% of small businesses acknowledge that U.S.-Canada trade tensions are affecting their operations in 2026. This highlights the broader implications of ongoing trade disputes and policies that have not provided the anticipated relief or benefit for many small enterprises across the country.
Merchant Growth, which specializes in financing solutions for small businesses, compiled these findings through survey data of small business owners, emphasizing the ongoing need for effective governmental support systems to assist businesses struggling with external economic pressures. The report serves as a call to action for policymakers to consider the unique challenges faced by small businesses in the context of international trade relations.
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