The governor cited potential risks to the state’s energy supply and aerospace sector, while officials emphasized AI adoption and workforce development.
Get Instant Access to This Article
Subscribe to Hartford Business Journal and get immediate access to all of our subscriber-only content and much more.
- Critical Hartford and Connecticut business news updated daily.
- Immediate access to all subscriber-only content on our website.
- Bi-weekly print or digital editions of our award-winning publication.
- Special bonus issues like the Hartford Book of Lists.
- Exclusive ticket prize draws for our in-person events.
Click here to purchase a paywall bypass link for this article
Gov. Ned Lamont says he’s concerned the growing tariff war with Canada could affect Connecticut manufacturers.
President Donald Trump’s 50% tariffs on about $20 billion in Canadian goods went into effect over the weekend, and have drawn the threat of retaliation.
Speaking at the Connecticut Manufacturing Innovation Forum in Hartford, the governor highlighted remarks the Premier of Ontario Doug Ford made about tariffs on hydroelectric power and natural gas. Ford has also said electric exports could be cut off entirely.
“We get maybe 10% of our power from Canada and that would be expensive,” Lamont said. “I hope it’s an idle threat.”
He also highlighted Canada’s potential shift away from a purchase of Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter jets that are powered by Pratt & Whitney engines. That pivot predates the current tariff war and is part of a long-term review of defense purchasing.
Lamont criticized the Trump administration for adding to the deficit, which he said is driving up interest rates and borrowing costs for manufacturers and other companies.
The governor highlighted housing as a key part of how the state and municipalities can support manufacturers, providing accessible and affordable options for employees. Electric Boat is in the midst of an unprecedented hiring push, which has put a strain on housing and infrastructure in southeastern Connecticut.
Connecticut’s Chief Manufacturing Officer Kirti Patel said that AI adoption is a key theme of this year’s innovation forum, recognizing that many companies are early in the journey toward implementing AI tools, and need to address digitizing their operations.
“AI adoption in manufacturing is in the single digits,” he said. “We can help catalyze, reduce friction for adoption of these stepping stones.”
Connecticut’s Department of Economic and Community Development also used the forum to launch “I Can Make It,” a statewide awareness campaign designed to inspire young people to explore manufacturing careers.
Connecticut’s manufacturing employers currently report some 5,400 job openings, in a sector that employs more than 153,000 people.
The initiative will highlight innovation, technology and opportunity in the state’s manufacturing sector.
“Connecticut has long been recognized as a leader in advanced manufacturing, and the future of that success depends on young people recognizing the incredible, technology-driven careers in manufacturing available right here in our state,” Patel said.
He said attracting the next generation of skilled workers is essential to maintaining Connecticut's competitive advantage.
The campaign includes streaming television, digital advertising, social media, online resources and targeted outreach, along with a series of 30-second campaign videos highlighting Connecticut's aerospace, robotics and automation, and shipbuilding industries.
Campaign videos were filmed at manufacturing facilities and technical high schools in the state.
