Montreal, February 24, 2025 - Like many economic players in Quebec, the construction industry is facing great uncertainty as a result of the tariff offensive announced by the President of the United States. The Association patronale des entreprises en construction du Québec (APECQ) believes it is essential that government decisions take into account the real issues facing the industry, to avoid negative repercussions for companies and projects already underway.

While most stakeholders agree on the very substantial needs in the housing sector and in infrastructure maintenance and development, it is becoming necessary to build more, build faster, and above all build better. Against this backdrop, the fall in interest rates that began in 2024 makes for optimistic forecasts for the construction sector in 2025, but the prospect of a trade conflict darkens the horizon.

To address this potential conflict, Canada may choose to impose counter-tariffs in response to the U.S. measures. If this is the case, APECQ recommends that counter-tariffs be applied selectively, to spare products for which construction companies have no viable alternatives. Imposing counter-tariffs on these products could not only drive up costs, but also slow down project execution, thereby weakening a sector that is essential to the Quebec economy.

In this uncertain context, it would also be appropriate for the government to focus on greater predictability, and even on accelerating infrastructure investments. It is widely recognized that such investments help mitigate the effects of an economic shock, such as that which would result from the application of tariffs and counter-tariffs. In this context, it would be advantageous to ensure stable planning of public works, bearing in mind that several projects have recently been put on hold. The unpredictability of the market is detrimental to the strength and growth of companies in the sector.

APECQ intends to continue making representations to government bodies in order to identify and implement pragmatic solutions that will enable the construction industry to get through this period with resilience and competitiveness.

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For further information:

Jean-Philippe Paquin

General Manager

APECQ

Tel.: 514 739-2381

jp.paquin@apecq.org