Support Local

Updated September 2026: Tariff response and resources

Norfolk County is committed to assisting residents and local businesses amid economic uncertainty. Find tools and information to stay informed, help make buying decisions and access resources.

Norfolk's commitment to local businesses

Norfolk County is proud of our local businesses and encourages residents to shop in our community. By choosing to purchase goods and services in Norfolk—from small, independent businesses to larger retailers—you can help strengthen our community, support neighbours working in the community, and contribute to our local economy.

Are you a business owner?

Norfolk County Economic Development is here to help. We are committed to working with Norfolk businesses to provide support, connect you with resources and advocate for response activities.

Find the latest news, resources and tools on Norfolk’s Tariff Resource Hub to help your business adapt.

Norfolk Tariff Resource Hub

What you need to know about tariffs

About tariffs

Taxes on imported goods crossing the border
Raise costs for importing companies
Costs are typically passed to consumers
Can disrupt integrated supply chains
Impact both sides of the border

Why tariffs matter

U.S. is a key trade partner for Canada
Local industries connected to cross-border trade
Supply chains cross borders multiple times
Stable, fair trade is preferable to trade wars

Key trade facts

In 2021, 85% of Ontario products were exported to the US
In Norfolk, the manufacturing sector employs more than 5,500 workers, and the agricultural sector employs more than 2,500 (not including temporary foreign workers)

Resources for businesses and workers

Businesses and workers affected by ongoing Canada-U.S. trade challenges may be eligible for additional support programs and workforce resources. Learn more:

Why buying local matters

Buying “local” is about community impact, not just ownership. Supporting businesses in your community helps to strengthen our local economy, keep our residents working and build a stronger community.

Both independently owned, small shops owned by community members and larger stores contribute to:

Local employment
Tax revenue
Community events
Economic activity
Community identity

Other ways to support local businesses

Consider a gift card to a local shop or restaurant when buying for family or friends
Leave positive reviews online
Refer friends and family to the great businesses you discover
Share your favourite finds on social media

Visit Norfolk

Download the Visit Norfolk App to discover all the great options in Norfolk County. Read more about the Visit Norfolk App and find out how businesses can be added.

Download on the Apple App Store or Google Play
Don't have a mobile device? Use the desktop version.

Reading labels

When shopping, check products for "Made in Canada" or "Produced in Canada" labels and consider buying them instead of other available products.

Visit the Government of Canada website to learn more about how to check the country of origin on food labels and how to identify Canadian food.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What is a tariff?

Tariffs are taxes on products from other countries. Just like you pay sales tax when you buy something, a tariff is an extra cost added to goods imported into Canada.

Tariffs 101: What are tariffs and how do they impact international trade?

What is the impact of tariffs on local businesses?

If you’re a business in Norfolk County selling products to other countries, tariffs can make your goods more expensive for your international customers. This could mean they buy less, look for cheaper options, or pass on the extra cost to their own customers.

On the other hand, if you’re importing goods into Canada, tariffs could raise your costs, which might lead to higher prices for local consumers. This is why understanding tariffs is important—they can affect both businesses and families by changing prices and demand.

Who pays for tariffs?

Usually, tariffs are paid for by buyers.

When businesses bring in goods from other countries, they have to pay the tariff and often raise prices to cover these costs. It's important to know that tariffs aren't payments from one government to another. Instead, they are collected by the government that sets them, similar to a tax on imported goods.

Why should I care about tariffs?

Understanding tariffs is important because they affect more than just prices—they can change business decisions, supply chains, and even what products are available. If tariffs make goods more expensive, businesses might need to find new suppliers, change their prices, or rethink where they sell their products.

You have buying power: by choosing Canadian-made goods, we help protect local jobs, keep money in our community, and rely less on foreign suppliers. Understanding tariffs helps us make smart choices that benefit residents and the Norfolk economy.

For businesses in Norfolk County, knowing about tariffs can help them plan, stay competitive, and avoid surprises.