The changing trade landscape with the United States has led to a lot of uncertainty.
That's according to Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership (SLEP) Chief Executive Officer Matthew Slotwinski
He said in 2023, 94 per cent of Lambton's exports went to the United States and 71 per cent of imports came from the U.S.
Slotwinski said since tariffs were implement earlier this spring, they've seen drop in investment opportunity in some key sectors.
"An example is the EV battery supply chain," said Slotwinski. "However I do need to note, that not all opportunities in these sectors have seized, they do continue to trickle in so there is opportunity."
SLEP is also seeing a change in habits locally by both businesses and consumers
"Uncertainty is putting new projects, investment and growth of business of all types on hold," said Slotwinski. "For local businesses, there's incredible concern about increased costs."
He said while tariffs and international trade are certainly a factor, they're not the primary factor.
"And uncertainty does slow opportunity, but I'd rather intentionally say it slows it, it doesn't kill it."
Slotwinski provided an update on the impact the trade war is having locally to Lambton County Council during its last meeting.