Trade disruption, economic uncertainty major concerns for Manitoba businesses: survey

The 2025 Manitoba Business Outlook Survey included responses from 157 Manitoba business leaders across different parts of the province. (Shutterstock.com)

A new report finds economic uncertainty and trade disruptions are proving to be major concerns for Manitoba businesses.

Manitoba Chambers of Commerce (MCC) released its 2025 Manitoba Business Outlook Survey on Tuesday. One of its biggest takeaways - 80 per cent of Manitoba business owners indicated they are concerned about the impact of trade disruptions, tariffs, and shifting global trade dynamics over the next year.

The report said that concern is already translating into real operational impacts.

“Manitoba businesses are navigating a period of sustained uncertainty that is making it harder to plan for the future,” said MCC president and CEO Chuck Davidson.

The survey found nearly two-thirds of businesses, or 62 per cent, reported that U.S. trade tensions and tariffs have hurt their operations.

Trade tensions are perhaps being felt more intensely outside of Winnipeg, with nearly nine out of 10 businesses in rural Manitoba indicating they are concerned over trade disruptions, compared with roughly three out of four businesses in Winnipeg.

“Trade disruptions, rising costs, and labour constraints are compounding pressures across sectors, particularly for rural and export-dependent businesses,” Davidson said in the release.

Input costs are the most common challenge for businesses affected by the trade war, the data found. Seventy-six per cent of businesses reported increased costs for materials, components and equipment.

Supply chain disruptions and growing uncertainty around hiring, financial planning and investment decisions were also cited as increasing challenges for Manitoba businesses.

The report said 55 per cent of businesses expect their workforce to remain the same over the next 12 months, while just 30 per cent anticipate growth.

Fifty-seven per cent of respondents said the cost of doing business remains the top constraint on growth, followed by availability of labour and the trade-related uncertainty.

Similarly, 47 per cent of respondents said having to increase wages or offer additional incentives to attract and retain workers remains a challenge.

Access to skilled labour was found to be just as difficult or more difficult than it was two years ago.

Looking to the future, a majority of those polled said eliminating interprovincial trade barriers should be a top priority at 76 per cent. Half of the respondents said they do not believe Manitoba is currently competitive with other provinces.

Opportunity for expansion of the Port of Churchill and investment in new clean energy projects are mentioned as top strategic priorities to support long-term provincial economic growth.

The 2025 Manitoba Business Outlook Survey was conducted by Leger on behalf of the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce between mid-November and mid-December.

This survey included responses from 157 Manitoba business leaders across different regions of the province.