What It Means to Be Black During the 2025 U.S.-Canada Trade War and Its Impact on Our Community
by Sandro Ferreira
The 2025 U.S.-Canada trade war has created a storm of uncertainty across both nations, but for Black Canadians, the economic ripple effects carry even more weight. The history of systemic racism and exclusion from wealth-building opportunities means that when economic challenges hit, Black communities are often hit hardest. We’re not just facing rising tariffs or disrupted trade; we’re confronting a long legacy of wealth trauma — financial struggles passed down through generations. In these turbulent times, the weight of this trauma is felt more intensely, but it also provides a crucial moment to redefine our relationship with wealth, resilience, and opportunity.
While the trade war is undoubtedly shaping the economic landscape, this article is not just about the challenges we face — it’s about the opportunities available to us, if we choose to shift our mindset. Through a trauma-informed financial literacy approach, we can close the gaps in financial knowledge, build wealth, and create a foundation for future generations. This is an opportunity for empowerment, growth, and healing.
The Impact on Black Communities:
As the U.S.-Canada trade war escalates, Black Canadians are feeling the effects in several ways: higher costs of goods, increased pressure on small businesses, and a general sense of economic instability. Small businesses — the backbone of many Black communities — are particularly vulnerable. Higher tariffs on imports from the U.S. and other disruptions in the global supply chain can make it harder to stay competitive, especially for businesses already struggling to access capital. The challenge isn’t just about navigating this trade war — it’s about overcoming the long-standing systemic barriers that have made it difficult for Black entrepreneurs to thrive in the first place.
However, the obstacles posed by the trade war also bring to light a critical opportunity: the chance to rethink how we approach financial literacy, investment, and wealth-building within our community. It’s time to move beyond the challenges and focus on what’s possible.
Market Opportunities for Small Business Owners:
Despite the economic uncertainty, there are real opportunities for Black-owned small businesses to pivot and thrive:
- Diversifying Supply Chains: The trade war has disrupted traditional supply routes, but this can be an opportunity to source products locally or through new international partners. Black-owned businesses can explore Canadian suppliers or tap into emerging markets like Africa and the Caribbean to reduce dependency on U.S. imports. This shift not only supports economic self-sufficiency but also opens doors for new trade relationships.
- Embracing Digital Transformation: The rise of e-commerce and digital services offers a significant opportunity for Black entrepreneurs. By investing in online platforms, businesses can expand their customer base beyond their local community, reaching both Canadian and international markets. E-commerce tools and digital marketing are more accessible than ever, providing an affordable way to scale up.
- Building Collaborative Networks: The power of community-driven efforts cannot be overstated. By partnering with other Black-owned businesses, pooling resources, and sharing knowledge, we can reduce operational costs and amplify our collective influence. Collaboration can lead to joint ventures, bulk purchasing agreements, and community investment funds that help us thrive despite external pressures.
The Trauma-Informed Financial Literacy Approach:
We know that our relationship with wealth is complicated — shaped by a history of exclusion, financial trauma, and the fear of losing what little we have. The trauma of wealth isn’t just a personal struggle; it’s a generational one. But this doesn’t mean we’re doomed to repeat the same patterns.
The key to breaking free from this cycle lies in trauma-informed financial literacy — a comprehensive approach that focuses not only on financial education but on emotional healing and mindset transformation. It’s about understanding the emotional weight we carry from past financial experiences and using that awareness to build a healthier, more positive relationship with money.
By addressing the trauma of wealth, we empower ourselves to make informed decisions about saving, investing, and building sustainable businesses. Financial literacy isn’t just about numbers — it’s about changing the way we think about money, wealth, and opportunity. In times of economic instability, like the current trade war, this shift in mindset can be the difference between surviving and thriving.
Community Impact and the Path Forward:
The broader impact of the U.S.-Canada trade war on Black communities cannot be ignored, but we must also focus on the resilience that exists within our community. The trade war highlights the importance of creating a more self-sufficient and financially empowered Black community in Canada.
By prioritizing financial literacy, supporting Black-owned businesses, and shifting our mindset towards long-term wealth-building, we can overcome the external challenges posed by the trade war and address the internal barriers created by financial trauma. These efforts will not only support economic growth but also foster mental and emotional healing, allowing us to break free from the cycles of poverty and wealth trauma that have held us back for so long.
What it means to be Black during the 2025 U.S.-Canada trade war is not just about facing economic hardship — it’s about seizing the opportunity to rewrite our financial future. By embracing trauma-informed financial literacy, we can close the wealth gaps that have existed for generations and build a legacy of wealth, resilience, and empowerment. This is a time for us to reclaim our financial power, focus on the opportunities that lie ahead, and build a future where our community not only survives but thrives.
As we stand at this crossroads, the question isn’t whether we will face obstacles — that is certain. The question is: Will we allow the challenges of today to define our tomorrow, or will we seize this moment to change the financial trajectory for generations to come?
Sandro Augusto Ferreira is a Financial Literacy Expert and CEO dedicated to addressing The Trauma of Wealth in BIPOC and immigrant communities. As a Certified Coach and Motivational Speaker, he empowers individuals to overcome financial barriers and build generational wealth. Through his transformative coaching and speaking engagements, he inspires resilience and financial empowerment. Sandro’s mission is to equip underrepresented communities with the tools to achieve meaningful wealth and impactful legacies.