The Canadian economy has experienced a contraction of 0.4% in the first quarter, marking a significant slowdown influenced heavily by escalating trade tensions with the United States. New US tariffs on key Canadian exports such as steel, aluminum, and automotive parts have disrupted long-standing supply chains, creating uncertainty for businesses and investors alike. As a result, several sectors, including manufacturing and natural resources, reported sharp declines in output, signaling growing vulnerabilities amid a less favorable trade environment.

Key economic indicators highlight the immediate impacts:

  • Manufacturing output: Decreased by 1.2%
  • Export volumes: Fell 3.5% compared to the previous quarter
  • Business investment: Registered its first quarterly drop in two years
Sector Q4 Growth (%) Q1 Growth (%)
Manufacturing 0.8 -1.2
Natural…