The Michigan Chamber, in partnership with the Detroit Regional Chamber and MichAuto, convened business leaders on Apr. 8 to meet with Caroline Mulroney, president of Ontario’s Treasury Board, for a roundtable focused on cross-border trade and economic competitiveness.
The meeting addressed the importance of the Michigan–Ontario relationship amid growing pressures from national trade tensions and upcoming United States Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA) negotiations. Participants discussed how deeply interconnected supply chains are between Michigan and Ontario, emphasizing that stability is critical for maintaining regional competitiveness.
Business leaders from automotive, manufacturing, and agriculture sectors joined the discussion before a reception with state lawmakers. According to economists cited at the event, more than $80 billion in annual trade flows between Michigan and Ontario, making it one of North America’s busiest trading corridors. The region accounts for 22% of North American auto production, with parts often crossing the border multiple times during manufacturing.
Employers at the roundtable said they need clarity in cross-border policy to maintain their competitive advantage. They also said continued collaboration between businesses and policymakers is essential as tariff dynamics evolve. The U.S. Chamber has released new resources to help employers navigate recent changes following a Supreme Court decision affecting tariffs.
The Michigan Chamber of Commerce encourages collaboration among businesses and policymakers to address economic challenges across all 83 counties in Michigan according to its official website. The organization represents about 5,000 businesses employing over a million residents statewide according to its official website. Its leadership includes a president and CEO along with volunteer board members from member organizations according to its official website.
Looking ahead, participants highlighted opportunities presented by both the Strategic International Partnership Agreement between Ontario and Michigan as well as the upcoming USMCA review. The Michigan Chamber said it will continue working with members to strengthen economic ties across Canada while advocating for policies that protect free enterprise according to its official website.
