Trade and Tariff Support

Trade and Tariff Support

Timmins Economic Development is committed to assisting local businesses in navigating changing trade and tariff dynamics. To help adapt to these changes, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of resources, strategies, and support programs.

As trade tensions continue to unfold, Canadian businesses – particularly those in automotive, energy, retail, manufacturing, and steel – will face new challenges. The United States (U.S.) has imposed tariffs on a range of Canadian exports, while Canada has responded by introducing counter-tariffs on select U.S. goods. These measures are increasing costs, disrupting supply chains, and applying pressure on local businesses.

Need Assistance?

Please do not hesitate to contact Timmins Economic Development if you have any questions or need assistance with your business’s needs.

U.S. Tariffs

The following is a high-level overview of the U.S. tariffs imposed on Canada:

• On March 4, 2025, the U.S. imposed tariffs of 25% on Canadian goods and 10% on energy exports from Canada imported into the U.S.
• On March 12, 2025, the U.S. imposed tariffs of 25% on Canadian steel and aluminum products.
• On April 2, 2025, the U.S. imposed 25% tariffs on global auto imports.
• On April 2, 2025, the U.S. made the decision to keep existing tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum, as well as maintain tariffs against Canadian goods that aren’t compliant with the existing Canada United States Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). Under this order, non-compliant goods were hit with 25% tariffs and non-compliant energy and potash with 10% tariffs
• On April 10, 2025, the U.S. announced a 90-day pause on their global reciprocal tariffs – with no new changes to tariffs on Canadian goods.
• On April 29, 2025, the U.S. President signed a pair of executive orders to soften the impacts of auto tariffs. These executive orders provide a mix of credits for automakers for up to 15% of the value of vehicles assembled in the U.S.
• On May 5, 2025, the U.S. President announced a 100% tariff on movies produced outside of the U.S.
  • Specifically, the President authorized certain agencies (I.e., Department of Commerce) to immediately begin the process of imposing a 100% tariff on all films produced abroad that are sent into the U.S.
• On June 4, 2025 the U.S. officially raised tariffs on aluminum and steel to 50%.
• On July 11, 2025 the U.S. President increased the previously set 25% tariff to 35%.
• On July 25, 2025 the U.S. Department of Commerce raised anti-dumping duties on Canadian softwood lumber to 20.56%.
• On July 31, 2025 the U.S. President signed an executive order increasing tariffs on Canadian goods not covered by the CUSMA to 35% (from the previous 25%).

Canada’s Counter-Tariffs

For up-to-date information on the Government of Canada’s plan and response to U.S. tariffs, including support for Canadian businesses and workers, click here.

• On February 4, 2025, Canada imposed a 25% tariff on a broad range of U.S. products in response to U.S. trade actions. These countermeasures will remain in effect until the U.S. removes its tariffs against Canada.
• On April 3, 2025, Canada announced that it is launching 25% tariffs on all vehicles imported from the U.S. that are not compliant with CUSMA. Additionally, previously imposed tariffs and countermeasures are to remain in place.

The affected items span various categories including:

• • Agricultural Products: Live poultry (e.g., chickens, turkeys); Meat and edible offal from poultry; Dairy products such as milk, cream, butter, cheese, and curd; Eggs and natural honey; Fresh or chilled tomatoes
  • Food and Beverages: Orange juice; Peanut butter; Wine
  • Consumer Goods: Clothing and apparel; Footwear; Motorcycles
  • Industrial Products: Pulp and paper products; Articles of iron and steel

For a comprehensive and detailed list of the products affected, click here.

• On April 15, 2025, Canada announced new measures for Canadian businesses and entities affected by the tariff dispute between Canada and the United States. The measures include:
  • Performance-based remission framework for automakers designed to incentivize continued production and investment in Canada.
    • It will enable automakers that continue to manufacture vehicles in Canada to import a certain number of U.S.-assembled, CUSMA-compliant vehicles into Canada, free of the countermeasure tariffs that Canada has imposed.
  • Temporary 6-month relief for goods imported from the U.S. that are used in Canadian manufacturing, processing and food and beverage packaging, and for those used to support public health, health care, public safety, and national security objectives.
  • Previously announced Large Enterprise Tariff Loan Facility (LETL) is now accepting applicants (see below under “Resources and Tools for Canadian Business Owners”).
• On July 16, 2025, Canada announced that it would impose higher tariffs on steel originating from China in order to prevent steel dumping amid the ongoing global trade war. This includes additional tariffs of 25% on steel imports from all non-U.S. countries containing steel melted and poured in China before the end of July. Moreover, Canada will tighten the tariff rate quota levels for steel products from non-FTA countries from 100% to 50% of 2024 volumes. Above those levels, a 50% tariff will apply. Note: there are no immediate changes to the U.S. counter tariffs.
• On August 22, 2025, Canada announced that it will remove all tariffs on goods from the United States that are covered by the CUSMA by September 1, 2025. The Prime Minister said that Canada will maintain its tariffs on steel, aluminum and autos while the country works with the U.S. to craft a new trading relationship between the two companies.

Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) Canadian Exporter Support

If your business exports to the U.S., the TCS is actively assisting Canadian businesses affected by U.S. tariffs.

TCS Support Services:

• Assessment: Evaluating how your business is impacted by the tariffs.
• Market Diversification: Identifying and accessing new international markets.
• Networking: Connecting businesses with relevant contacts to address challenges.
• Partnerships: Facilitating relationships with potential partners and exploring new opportunities.

Resources Available:

• Self-Help Tools: Access to frequently asked questions and problem-solving resources related to U.S. tariffs.
• Export Diversification: Guidance on expanding exports to alternative markets, including funding and tailored support programs.
• Partner Support: Collaboration with organizations to provide additional resources and programs for global expansion.

For detailed information on services and resources available, click here.