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Or sign-in if you have an account.Ore from the bulk carrier Algoma Strongfield is offloaded at ArcelorMittal Dofasco in Hamilton, Ontario on June 3, 2026. Photo by Peter Power/Postmedia NewsSubscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman, and others.Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman and others.Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorMany Canadian businesses say they’re in limbo while waiting to see what happens with the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).The trade pact is up for review as of July 1 and U.S. President Donald Trump has signalled it may be a tough negotiation, even teasing that he may terminate the agreement altogether.“I’m thinking about maybe we won’t be able to make a deal,” he said at the G7 summit last week. “I would rather not have the CUSMA. The primary reason I wanted it was because there was no way out of NAFTA, which was the worst trade agreement ever made.”Canada and Mexico, however, are pushing for a six-year extension of the agreement to 2042 from 2036, though Prime Minister Mark Carney has said it’s “no secret” Trump doesn’t like the deal.Breaking business news, incisive views, must-reads and market signals. Weekdays by 9 a.m.By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.The next issue of Posthaste will soon be in your inbox.We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try againWith so much trade uncertainty in the air, many businesses are taking a “wait-and-see” approach before making any structural changes to their operations.Nearly 40 per cent of businesses believe they are ready to implement changes quickly if CUSMA deteriorates, while 30 per cent of businesses believe they only need minimal planning, according to a recent survey by Purolator Inc.“The companies best-positioned for what comes next share a common trait: They didn’t wait for certainty before acting,” the report said. “They diversified suppliers, built secondary manufacturing relationships, invested in CUSMA compliance infrastructure and established contingency plans before they needed them. The opportunity to join that group is still open, but it’s narrowing.”Of course, Canadian businesses are no stranger to dealing with tariffs, as they have been a signature policy of Trump’s second term, but tariffs have cut their revenues by about 23 per cent, or an average of $661,000.More than 90 per cent of businesses have already made at least one operational change over the past 18 months due to the tariffs, most commonly reducing exposure to the U.S. and building some flexibility into the supply chain.Still, the uncertainty of what may come next is leaving many businesses in limbo. Businesses consistently said the uncertainty surrounding international trade is worse than the tariffs themselves, the Purolator survey said.“A tariff is a cost. It can be modelled, absorbed, passed through or built into a contract. Uncertainty is different,” the report said. “It paralyzes planning, delays investment and forces businesses into reactivity. Rather than preparing for what comes next, they must focus on responding to what just happened.”Sign up here to get Posthaste delivered straight to your inbox.High gas prices helped Canada’s retail sector report a 0.5 per cent increase in activity in April, though economists warn the increase does not mean strong consumption.Sales at gas stations rose 5.1 per cent in the month, while sales at motor vehicle and parts dealers climbed 1.7 per cent.Overall, April marked the fourth consecutive monthly increase in retail sales.Despite the positivity, Randall Bartlett, deputy chief economist with Desjardins, warned that the numbers are misleading, as retail sales were weak overall. Today’s Data: Consumer Price Index for MayWhen it comes to consolidating accounts, there are usually associated fees, but there’s no need to worry. Some fees are absorbed the benefitting financial institution, while combining accounts may cross a threshold for lower rates. Read more here.Interested in energy? The subscriber-only FP West: Energy Insider newsletter brings you exclusive reporting and in-depth analysis on one of the country’s most important sectors.Are you worried about having enough for retirement? Do you need to adjust your portfolio? Are you starting out or making a change and wondering how to build wealth? Are you trying to make ends meet? Drop us a line at wealth@postmedia.com with your contact info and the gist of your problem and we’ll find some experts to help you out while writing a Family Finance story about it (we’ll keep your name out of it, of course).Want to learn more about mortgages? Mortgage strategist Robert McLister’s Financial Post column can help navigate the complex sector, from the latest trends to financing opportunities you won’t want to miss. Plus check his mortgage rate page for Canada’s lowest national mortgage rates, updated daily.Visit the Financial Post’s YouTube channel for interviews with Canada’s leading experts in business, economics, housing, the energy sector and more.Today’s Posthaste was written by Ben Cousins with additional reporting from Financial Post staff and Bloomberg.Have a story idea, pitch, embargoed report, or a suggestion for this newsletter? Email us at posthaste@postmedia.com.Bookmark our website and support our journalism: Don’t miss the business news you need to know — add financialpost.com to your bookmarks and sign up for our newsletters here Join the Conversation This website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. Read more about cookies here. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.