Canada – United States Trade Resources

Important Updates / Timeline

The Vaughan Chamber of Commerce has released its Canada–United States Insights Report, offering guidance for businesses navigating today’s complex trade environment. Based on discussions from the April 11, 2025, Canada–United States Trade Forum, the report is accompanied by a series of corresponding videos that highlight expert insights shared at the event. To find the videos click here.

August 22, 2026: A 50% U.S. tariff on approximately $20 billion worth of Canadian imports takes effect after Canada and the United States fail to reach a trade agreement. Prime Minister Mark Carney announces that Canada will retaliate on a dollar-for-dollar basis, with new tariffs on U.S. steel, dairy, appliances, agricultural equipment, pulp and paper, and electronics scheduled to take effect September 8.
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August 18, 2026: President Donald Trump pauses the proposed 50% tariffs on Canadian goods for three days as discussions continue toward a final Canada-U.S. trade agreement.
July 20, 2026: U.S. President Donald Trump signs three executive orders threatening a new 50% tariff on Canadian goods, including products covered under CUSMA. Each order cites a separate Canadian measure: provincial and territorial boycotts of U.S. alcohol products, retaliatory tariffs on U.S.-made vehicles and auto parts, and quotas on U.S. dairy imports under Canada’s supply management system. The proposed tariff is scheduled to take effect in 29 days.
Executive Order Learn More List of Goods Affected
July 1, 2026: Canada enters a phase of mandatory annual joint reviews under CUSMA Article 34.7 after the United States declines a 16-year automatic extension. All current tariff exemptions, rules of origin, and trade benefits remain fully active for businesses during this review period.
Learn More
June 19, 2026: Canada implements a provisional 10% safeguard tariff on global imports of canned vegetables, explicitly exemplting shipments originating from the United States and Mexico.
Full List
June 8, 2026: The U.S. adjusts its metal tariff rules, including changes to tariffs on select machinery, HVAC equipment, steel and aluminum derivative products, and tariff treatment for CUSMA-compliant goods from Canada and Mexico.
Learn More
April 6, 2026: The U.S. imposes tariffs ranging from 10% to 50% on steel, aluminum and copper articles and related derivative products, applying the tariffs to the full value of the product, subject to certain exemptions.
Learn More
February 24, 2026: A temporary 10% U.S. tariff on global imports takes effect, excluding CUSMA-compliant goods and certain agricultural products.
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February 20, 2026: The U.S. Supreme Court strikes down certain IEEPA tariffs, while sector-specific tariffs on steel, aluminum, autos, copper, lumber, furniture, heavy vehicles and semiconductors remain in effect.
Learn More
December 26, 2025: Canada imposes 25% tariffs on select global steel-derivative products and reduces tariff-rate quota levels for certain imported steel products.
Full List
November 1, 2025: U.S. tariffs take effect on medium- and heavy-duty trucks, truck parts and buses, including a 25% tariff on certain trucks and truck parts and a 10% tariff on buses.
Learn More
October 14, 2025: The U.S. imposes a 10% tariff on softwood timber and lumber and a 25% tariff on certain upholstered wooden furniture, kitchen cabinets and vanities, with Canadian products affected.
Learn More
September 1, 2025: Canada removes certain retaliatory tariffs on Phase 1 goods and miscellaneous consumer products, while tariffs remain in place on imports of U.S. steel, aluminum and autos.
Full List
September 5, 2025: Prime Minister Carney announces new federal measures to support sectors impacted by tariffs and trade uncertainty.
Initiatives include new financing tools, a $5B Strategic Response Fund, workforce supports, and a Buy Canadian Policy.
Learn More
August 13, 2025: Ontario launches the Protect Ontario Financing Program, the first phase of the $5B Protecting Ontario Account announced in the 2025 provincial Budget, providing up to $1B in loan-based liquidity support for Ontario businesses affected by higher Section 232 tariffs, including steel, aluminum, and auto, to protect workers and operations.
Learn More
May 3, 2025: Trump imposes 25 per cent tariffs on auto parts imported into the U.S., excluding those from Canada that are CUSMA-compliant.
April 15, 2025: The Government of Canada has announced new measures to support Canadian businesses affected by U.S. tariffs, including a performance-based tariff remission for automakers; temporary 6-month relief on select U.S. imports used in manufacturing and public services; and the Large Enterprise Tariff Loan Facility, now accepting applications
Learn More
April 2, 2025: The U.S. imposes new tariffs on dozens of countries, but Canada is spared. However, a 25% auto tariff takes effect at midnight, and steel and aluminum levies remain in place.
March 21, 2025: The Government of Canada has announced measures to support workers and businesses affected by tariffs, including tax relief through the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
Learn More
March 13, 2025: Canada announces nearly $29.8B worth of new tariffs on U.S. goods: $12.6 billion will affect American steel products, $3 billion will affect aluminum and $14.2 billion will impact other items.
Full List
March 11, 2025: Ontario temporarily suspends the 25% electricity surcharge after talks with U.S. officials, while the U.S. reduces steel and aluminum tariffs from 50% to 25%.
March 7, 2025: The U.S. announces new tariffs on Canadian dairy and lumber, prompting Canada to launch a $5 billion support program to help affected exporters.
March 4, 2025: The U.S. imposes a 25% tariff on all Canadian exports, plus an additional 10% on energy products. Canada introduces 25% tariffs on $30 billion worth of U.S. imports.
Full List

Click here to read the report

need support navigating u.s. tariffs?

Canadian manufacturers can now apply for a one-hour, one-on-one support session with a PwC Canada partner to better understand how U.S. tariffs may impact their operations, supply chains, and export strategies. Participants will receive tailored insights, importer-of-record considerations, and practical next steps from PwC Canada, offered in partnership with the City of Vaughan, Economic Development Department.

Click Here to Apply

Navigating Tariff Resources

Canada-U.S. Trade Forum Insights: Videos

This segment addresses a critical gap in supply chain management, outlining the lack of product-level and component-level visibility that many companies face. Demonstrating how misidentifying country of origin or incorrectly classifying HS codes can lead to significant compliance failures during trade verifications.

For more information, refer to the VCC’s Canada-U.S. Trade Insights Report, under “Financial and Legal Strategies”, subsection “1) Strategic Supply Chain Resilience”.

Highlights how minimal product modifications, such as software programming done in Canada, can qualify goods for preferential origin, demonstrating a practical application of substantial transformation to support tariff relief strategies.

For more information, refer to the VCC’s Canada-U.S. Trade Insights Report, under “Financial and Legal Strategies”, subsection “2) Tariff Strategy and Financial Structuring”.

This segment explores how businesses can strategically manage tariff exposure through techniques like tariff engineering and unbundling transactions. Explaining reclassification processes, while also highlighting the importance of accurate HS classification, understanding rules of origin, and leveraging data tools to assess supply chain risks.

For more information, refer to the VCC’s Canada-U.S. Trade Insights Report, under “Financial and Legal Strategies”, subsection “2) Tariff Strategy and Financial Structuring”.

This segment explains why businesses must reassess outdated logistics habits, especially when it comes to transshipment stops and routing through high-cost U.S. ports.

For more information, refer to the VCC’s Canada-U.S. Trade Insights Report, under “Financial and Legal Strategies”, subsection “3) Operational Planning and Scenario Management”.

Explains how Canadian manufacturers can apply for duty remission, including what supporting materials are needed and how the Department of Finance evaluates applications.

For more information, refer to the VCC’s Canada-U.S. Trade Insights Report, under “Financial and Legal Strategies”, subsection “4) Government Programs and Manufacturing Strategy”.

This segment addresses how tolling and contract manufacturing in the U.S. compares with Canadian operations, and why Canada is emerging as a smart nearshoring hub due to FTAs and regulatory stability.

For more information, refer to the VCC’s Canada-U.S. Trade Insights Report, under “Financial and Legal Strategies”, subsection “4) Government Programs and Manufacturing Strategy”.

Outlines how Limited Risk Distributors can be used to reduce dutiable value on U.S. exports by shifting where and how value is recognized within intercompany transactions. Also explores how unbundling services from the sale of goods further limits tariff exposure.

For more information, refer to the VCC’s Canada-U.S. Trade Insights Report, under “Financial and Legal Strategies”, subsection “4) Government Programs and Manufacturing Strategy”.

Outlines practical strategies for navigating tariff challenges, highlighting the importance of government supports, risk planning, compliance readiness, political engagement, and leveraging technology to stay competitive in a shifting global trade landscape.

For more information, refer to the VCC’s Canada-U.S. Trade Insights Report, under “Geopolitical Trade Strategies”, subsection “1) Adapting to Reshoring Pressures”.

Emphasizes the importance of local engagement in the U.S., particularly in swing states, where companies affected by trade policies must communicate impacts to state governments. Highlights how grassroots pressure can influence federal decision-making.

For more information, refer to the VCC’s Canada-U.S. Trade Insights Report, under “Geopolitical Trade Strategies”, subsection “2) Strategic Engagement in Fragmenting Trade Environment”.

Exporting & Trade Tools

Trade Data Online
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada’s Trade Data Online tool allows businesses to explore Canadian and U.S. trade data by product, industry and market. Businesses can use the data to identify potential export markets, assess competition and understand international demand for specific products.
Explore Trade Data
Trade Commissioner Service (Market & Industry Information)
Access country and sector-specific market intelligence, trade agreement information, export diversification resources and international business opportunities to help identify potential markets for expansion.
Explore Markets
Step-by-Step Guide to Exporting
The Government of Canada’s Trade Commissioner Service provides a comprehensive guide to help businesses navigate international trade, from market research to regulatory compliance.
Read the Guide
Canada Tariff Finder
A tool for checking import and export tariff rates for different countries, especially those with Free Trade Agreements with Canada. Users can compare rates for up to three products or markets.
Access the Tool
U.S De Minimis Changes Effective
August 29, 2025, the United States eliminated duty-free treatment for shipments valued at US$800 or less. Canadian exporters should expect duties, fees and additional customs requirements on low-value shipments
U.S. Customs Guidance

Tariff Impact Analysis & Reports

As organizations continue to study the effects of tariffs, key research and analysis will be available, including: As organizations continue to study the effects of tariffs, key research and analysis will be available, including: Bank of Canada: Assessing economic impacts of U.S. tariffs.

Bank of Canada (July 2026 Monetary Policy Report): Analysis of how U.S. tariffs and continued CUSMA uncertainty are affecting Canadian exports, business investment and economic growth. The Bank continues to project exports on a lower path than before U.S. tariffs were introduced.
Read the Report
Canadian Chamber of Commerce Business Data Lab (Business Insights Quarterly: Released August 4, the latest report examines how prolonged trade uncertainty is affecting business investment. It finds that businesses are largely delaying investment rather than relocating operations, with uncertainty continuing to weigh on spending on capital, innovation and growth.
Read the Report
CFIB: Canadian SMEs and the Proposed U.S. 50% Tariffs: CFIB’s August 2026 survey examines the expected impact of the latest U.S. tariffs on Canadian small businesses. Among exporters with affected products, 77% anticipated revenue losses and 35% expected revenues to decline by at least half. The survey was conducted immediately ahead of the tariffs taking effect on August 22.
Read the Survey Findings
Statistics Canada: Canadian International Merchandise Trade: The latest merchandise trade data provide a current picture of Canadian export and import activity amid ongoing tariff pressures. Canadian exports increased for a fifth consecutive month in June, while second-quarter exports rose 13.1%, including a 19.3% increase in motor vehicles and parts.
View the Latest Trade Data

Government of Canada

Current information on Canadian tariff measures, remission opportunities and financial supports available to tariff-affected businesses and workers.

View Tariff Response and Relief Measures Explore Business Support Programs

Government Programs and Supports

Federal Programs & Financial Assistance

Financing & Loans

Worker Retention Grant for Work-Sharing Employers:
new funding opportunity designed to support skills development during Work-Sharing agreements.
Learn More
BDC Pivot to Grow Program: The government will add a $500 million liquidity stream to BDC’s Pivot to Grow program, providing $250,000 to $5 million in working capital loans to SMEs facing cash-flow pressures from U.S. tariffs, regardless of sector. The program will offer interest-only payments for up to 36 months, a simplified application process, and expanded eligibility for businesses with annual revenues of at least $1 million.
Learn More
Large Enterprise Tariff Loan Facility:Recent updates to the $10 billion facility provide greater flexibility for large employers facing tariff-related pressures, including liquidity support covering up to 36 months of company needs, up from 24 months, and a maximum loan term of 15 years, up from 10 years.
Learn More
Regional Tariff Response Initiative:Effective September 2026, the federal government will provide an additional $1.5 billion through Canada’s seven Regional Development Agencies to help SMEs respond to tariff pressures. The cap on non-repayable contributions will increase from $1 million to $3 million per business, including up to $2 million in liquidity support, alongside funding for business pivots and capital investments.
Learn More
Strategic Response Fund (SRF): New $5B fund to help businesses adapt to trade disruptions, develop new products, and secure new markets.
Canada Strong Diversification Fund: A new $2 billion stream under the Strategic Response Fund will support tariff-impacted businesses, including medium-sized firms, with shovel-ready capital and maintenance projects. The fund will coordinate with Regional Development Agencies and use a fast-track, one-step review and approval process to accelerate project delivery.
Export Development Canada (EDC) Trade Impact Program: EDC is offering $5 billion over two years to support Canadian exporters in finding new markets and managing financial risks caused by tariffs, such as currency fluctuations and cash flow disruptions.
Learn More
Farm Credit Canada (FCC) Financing: An additional $1 billion in financing is available through FCC to help Canadian agriculture and food businesses affected by trade disruptions.

Workforce & Employment

Rapid Response Supports for Workers and Employers: The federal government is providing $3.5 billion in new supports for workers and employers affected by tariffs, including extended Employment Insurance measures, additional benefits for long-tenured workers, and enhanced job-matching services.
Workforce Retention and Retraining Program: A new streamlined program will combine the existing EI Work-Sharing Program and Worker Retention Grant, with expanded flexibility to help employers retain and retrain workers. Employers will also be eligible for up to $1,000 per participant to support training and administrative costs.
Employment Insurance (EI) Work-Sharing Program Adjustments: Temporary changes to the EI Work-Sharing Program allow businesses to extend agreements and improve access to benefits for employees working reduced hours due to tariff impacts.
Details on Work-Sharing
Workforce Support Strategy: Updated to include training and income support for up to 50,000 workers, workforce development funding, EI flexibilities, and a new digital job-seeker platform.

Sector-Specific Measures

Agriculture & Agri-food: For the 2026 program year, Canada’s Advance Payments Program offers an interest-free limit of $250,000 for non-canola agricultural advances and $500,000 for canola advances, with a total borrowing cap of up to $1 million.
Learn More
Biofuels: Amendments to the Clean Fuel Regulations and a new $370M biofuel production incentive to strengthen domestic producers.
Learn More

Trade Diversification & Procurement

Trade Diversification Strategy: Federal goal to increase Canadian exports to overseas markets by 50% by 2030, reducing reliance on the U.S.
Buy Canadian Policy: This policy shifts federal procurement from a “best efforts” model to a mandatory obligation to prioritize Canadian suppliers and content. It applies across federal departments, agencies, grants and contributions, infrastructure funding, loans, and Crown corporations. For strategic procurements, the initial $25 million contract threshold dropped to $5 million on June 15, 2026, and large defence and construction contracts must explicitly prioritize Canadian-produced steel, aluminum, and wood products.
Learn More

Tariff Relief

CBSA Border Information Service: Businesses with questions about tariff remission, duty relief, drawback claims or other customs requirements can contact the Canada Border Services Agency’s Border Information Service for assistance.
Call 1-800-461-9999 within Canada.CBSA Border Information Service: Add the 1-800-461-9999 contact information.
Tariff Remission Process: The Government of Canada has established a process for businesses to request remission of tariffs on certain U.S. goods, effective March 4, 2025. Under specific circumstances, businesses may qualify for relief from tariff payments or refunds for tariffs already paid.
Learn More
Canada’s Tariff Support Measures: The Government of Canada has introduced more than $25 billion in measures to support businesses and workers affected by U.S. tariffs and trade disruptions. This includes $6 billion specifically to help businesses grow, diversify markets, strengthen supply chains and maintain Canadian industrial capacity.
Learn More

Provincial Support Programs

Protect Ontario Financing Program

First launched in August 2025, the Protect Ontario Financing Program provides up to $1 billion in loan-based liquidity support for Ontario businesses facing tariff-related financial pressures. As of August 24, 2026, the province expanded eligibility to businesses affected by new U.S. Section 338 tariffs on a range of Canadian goods, while continuing to support businesses impacted by Section 232 tariffs on steel, aluminum, copper and automotive products. The program is intended to help businesses manage working capital pressures, maintain operations and keep workers on the job.

Learn More Expanded Eligibility

Ontario Business Support & Funding Opportunities

The Ontario government offers various funding streams to help businesses remain competitive, including:

Regional Development Program Life Sciences Scale-Up Fund Invest Ontario Programs

Ontario Together Trade Fund Trade-Impacted Communities Program

Canada Business Benefits Finder

A federal tool that helps businesses identify available grants, tax credits, loans, wage subsidies, and other financial supports.
Find benefits

Advocacy

Ongoing Engagement on U.S. File

March 7th: Roundtable with M.P. Francesco Sorbara, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance and Intergovernmental Affairs, and the Honourable John McKay, Co-Chair of the Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group
April 11: Canada-U.S. Trade Forum

Through our national partners at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce

March 5: The Manufacturing & Supply Chains Mission in Washington, D.C. engaged with top policymakers, trade experts, and industry leaders to strongly oppose U.S. tariffs, advocating directly for the interests of Canadian industry.

Letters

Tariffs Statement from President and CEO

Tariffs Statement from Vice President of Government Affairs and Strategic Initiatives

Letter to the Minister of Finance

Impact on Vaughan

With 90% of York Region’s exports bound for the U.S., 85% of which come from manufacturing, these tariffs threaten the stability of Vaughan’s businesses, workers, and supply chains. The automotive sector drives $4 billion in local GDP, and higher costs will weaken its global competitiveness. Sectors like transportation equipment, plastics, rubber, and fabricated metal products, making up 60% of Vaughan’s U.S. exports, face significant disruption, putting jobs and investment at risk.

Canada – United States Trade Resources

Important Updates / Timeline

need support navigating u.s. tariffs?

Click Here to Apply

Navigating Tariff Resources

Canada-U.S. Trade Forum Insights: Videos

Exporting & Trade Tools

Trade Data Online

Trade Commissioner Service (Market & Industry Information)

Step-by-Step Guide to Exporting

Canada Tariff Finder

U.S De Minimis Changes Effective

Tariff Impact Analysis & Reports

Government of Canada

Government Programs and Supports

Federal Programs & Financial Assistance

Financing & Loans

Workforce & Employment

Sector-Specific Measures

Trade Diversification & Procurement

Tariff Relief

Provincial Support Programs

Protect Ontario Financing Program

Ontario Business Support & Funding Opportunities

Canada Business Benefits Finder

Advocacy

Ongoing Engagement on U.S. File

Letters

Impact on Vaughan

Helpful Links

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