Livingston's 2026
Trade Dynamics Report

Tariffs, policy shifts, and uncertainty around the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement have generated plenty of headlines. But how are affected businesses across North America responding? How are they managing costs, coping with compliance changes, and reshaping where they source and sell goods? Livingston’s 2026 Trade Dynamics Report offers a lens into the perspectives and plans of business decision-makers as they navigate new trade dynamics across the continent and the world.

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A tale of two outlooks

One in four Canadian firms express low confidence in the North American trade environment, versus only 8% of U.S. companies.

Supply chains on the move

More than 80% of U.S. and Canadian importers are rethinking where they source, from reshoring to new global suppliers.

Talent in short supply

More than 70% of respondents say they’re struggling to find talent and expertise to help them validate their level of compliance.

North American trade

Uncertainty and opportunity

See how businesses like yours are adapting to change

Based on survey data from U.S. and Canadian importers and exporters across 12 industries, Livingston's 2026 Trade Dynamics Report provides insight into how shifting trade policies are reshaping pricing, where businesses are looking to expand or diversify their supply chains, how talent and technology gaps are creating compliance risk, and why the USMCA’s uncertain future is causing confidence in North American trade to slip.

Key Findings

Almost two-thirds of businesses (U.S. 62%, Canada 64%) are passing tariffs down to their customers.
U.S. firms are more likely than Canadian firms to bring production back to North America (84% vs. 68%).
Exporters on both sides of the border are most like to look at Asia for new markets (U.S. 77%, Canada 83%).
49% of U.S. importers cited Central and South America as their top alternative sources of supply outside the continent, while Canadian importers (58%) preferred the EU/UK as an alternative source of supply.

Key Takeaways

Shifting policies have business leaders feeling unsure of their compliance practices, making good trade data hygiene, automation, and expert guidance more valuable than ever.
Compliance has moved up the value chain from a back-office concern to a key strategic initiative that requires executive buy-in.
Even in the midst of USMCA uncertainty, shifting tariffs have proven the trade deal’s value, but U.S. customs authorities are looking at valuation and country of origin with more rigor.
Supply chain diversification is a valuable long-term initiative that provides a hedge against North American volatility, but not one to jump into without proper planning and support.

Turn disruption into direction

Volatility is constant.
Can your compliance strategy keep up?

Use Livingston’s 2026 Trade Dynamics Report to benchmark your approach, and review the guidance from our global trade and compliance experts to evaluate your compliance processes, strengthen your supply chain resilience, and plan your future supply chain strategy with confidence.

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Complete the form below to get your copy of Livingston's 2026 Trade Dynamics Report and discover how U.S. and Canadian businesses are responding to a shifting North American trade landscape.

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Livingston's 2026 Trade Dynamics Report