Canada has long maintained close trade ties with the United States so much so that nearly 75% of our exports head south of the border. That’s one of the highest levels of trade concentration in the world.
This tight relationship brings economic benefits, but it also creates vulnerabilities. When American trade policy shifts, whether it's the threat of new tariffs or supply chain disruptions Canadian companies often find themselves scrambling to adapt. Diversifying our markets is a long-term strategy, but in the short term, many manufacturers are asking: Is there another way to reduce our exposure?
What If the Real Solution Was Local?
For several years now, we've been hearing about “reshoring” or “nearshoring” production. COVID-19 and geopolitical tensions have only accelerated the conversation. Manufacturers are more motivated than ever to regain control over their supply chains and become less dependent on foreign suppliers particularly American ones.
But here's the challenge: bringing production back home means increasing local capacity… and that usually means higher labor costs. This is where robotics and automation come into play.
Automation: A Strategic Lever
Modern robotics isn’t about replacing workers, it’s about empowering teams to do more with less. Canadian manufacturers that automate strategically are seeing:
- Improved productivity, without needing to increase headcount
- Better quality control, thanks to repeatable, precise tasks
- Shorter lead times, reducing the need for buffer stock or U.S.-based intermediaries
By investing in flexible automation solutions, like collaborative robots (cobots), smart conveyors, and machine vision companies are boosting their ability to produce locally at competitive costs.
In other words: less reliance on U.S. suppliers, more independence, and a stronger local manufacturing ecosystem.
Think Big, Start Smart
If you're exploring ways to reduce your U.S. supplier dependence, start by identifying repetitive, labor-intensive steps in your production. Ask yourself:
- What could be done in-house with the right automation?
- Where are we vulnerable if a U.S. partner fails to deliver?
- Could a robotic cell give us more flexibility on short notice?
Sometimes a single, well-integrated robot can transform a workflow and reduce the pressure on both your team and your procurement.
Reducing Imports Through Local Manufacturing
By leveraging robotic solutions, Canadian manufacturers can bring key production steps back in-house reducing their exposure to U.S. tariffs and trade uncertainty.
Certain sectors are especially well positioned to benefit from this transition. Take the food and beverage industry, for example. Robotic sorting systems can drastically cut down on errors and significantly speed up the processing of bulk products. This type of automation improves line efficiency and increases the value capture of high-quality goods, making local production more competitive. On top of that, key staples like milk, eggs, chicken, and turkey are protected under Canada’s supply management system, meaning tariffs have little impact on their pricing.
The automotive parts sector also stands to gain. Instead of importing components from the U.S., Canadian companies can invest in robotic cells capable of machining and assembling parts to the same quality standards. The result? Less reliance on American suppliers, and a more stable, responsive supply chain in the face of global market volatility.
Let’s talk automation.
By investing in robotics, Canadian manufacturers can reshore specific processes, boost autonomy, and stay competitive on a global stage. Bottom line? Investing in robotics today is an investment in long-term resilience. It’s a smart way to build a more flexible, responsive, and future-ready production model, right here at home.
Source : Desjardins