Recent tariffs imposed during Trump’s presidency have severely impacted local entrepreneurs in Vallée-du-Richelieu, particularly Gabriel Borduas of Cyrell AMP. Facing a 10% workforce reduction and order cancellations totaling $1.5 million, the company struggles with supply chain issues and rising costs. As tariffs on steel and aluminum imports rise, Borduas highlights the lack of local production capabilities. Concerns grow over the broader economic implications, with local business leaders advocating for urgent government support to mitigate the crisis.
Impact of Tariffs on Local Entrepreneurs
The recent tariffs introduced during Trump’s administration have struck a significant blow to entrepreneurs in the Vallée-du-Richelieu. One such entrepreneur, Gabriel Borduas, who leads Cyrell AMP, an aluminum and steel sheet processing firm located in Beloeil, has witnessed his growing company encounter unforeseen challenges. “I had to reduce my workforce by 10%, impacting several foreign workers,” expresses Borduas with concern. His company, known for creating the entrance panels for the Ogilvy store in Montreal and currently engaged with the Vaudreuil-Soulanges hospital project, is feeling the heat. “Our American clients are devastated,” he adds, revealing that some have canceled orders amounting to $1.5 million due to tariff threats from the U.S. President.
Challenges and Future Prospects
Founded in 1994, Cyrell AMP had been thriving since 2018, particularly after breaking into the U.S. export market. With an annual revenue of approximately $20 million, the company had attracted substantial investments from entities like Investissement Québec and Economic Development Canada. However, the recent tariff situation has brought operations to a standstill. Unable to find enough local talent, Borduas turned to Africa for recruitment, hiring five asylum seekers in the last four months. Unfortunately, these new employees now face job insecurity due to the abrupt cancellations of orders.
Adding to the company’s woes are the 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from China, imposed by Canada. Despite being a key player in aluminum production, Borduas points out, “there is no rolling mill in Canada that produces sheets. We make aluminum, but we don’t roll sheets.” Consequently, he is forced to source aluminum rolls from China, with prices having surged by 15% since October. These economic pressures are compounded by new regulations on foreign workers that took effect last summer. Borduas hopes for swift governmental support to alleviate the burdens on struggling entrepreneurs.
Julie La Rochelle, president of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Vallée-du-Richelieu-Rouville (CCIVRR), expresses concern over the potential domino effect on the local economy. “When a healthy company faces challenges, we must provide assistance,” she asserts regarding Cyrell AMP’s plight. According to a CCIVRR survey, 67% of participants expect to feel the negative impacts of the trade war, with 56% anticipating rising import costs stemming from counter-tariffs imposed by Canada.
La Rochelle regards Borduas as a “foresighted” entrepreneur with the financial resilience to weather these storms. She emphasizes that the aluminum and steel industry has historically demonstrated resilience against U.S. tariffs. Nonetheless, she warns of collective economic decline and reduced purchasing power if instability continues. A crisis cell has been established in the region to address these challenges, yet the situation remains fraught with anxiety as the community braces for the economic fallout of this ongoing trade conflict, which some perceive as a form of aggression.