Trade & Tariff Support 2025: What Canadian Businesses Need to Know. As global trade tensions rise, Canadian companies are facing new economic pressures—particularly those dealing with exports to the United States. At Timmins Economic Development, they’re here to support local businesses through these changing tariff and trade dynamics. Whether you’re a manufacturer, exporter, or part of the retail or energy sectors, this guide highlights the latest updates and resources available to help you respond to the Canada-U.S. trade war of 2025.
The Current Tariff Situation: U.S. Tariffs on Canadian Goods
In 2025, a series of U.S. tariff hikes began affecting Canadian industries, including steel, aluminum, energy, and automotive. Here’s a quick look at the timeline:
- March 4, 2025 – The U.S. introduced a 25% tariff on Canadian goods and 10% on energy exports from Canada.
- March 12, 2025 – Tariffs were expanded to include 25% on Canadian steel and aluminum.
- April 2, 2025 – A sweeping 25% tariff on global auto imports was implemented, with Canadian vehicles affected.
- April 2, 2025 – The U.S. reaffirmed all existing tariffs, applying 25% tariffs on non-CUSMA compliant goods and 10% on non-compliant energy and potash.
- April 10, 2025 – A 90-day pause on new global reciprocal tariffs was announced, but no relief was provided for current Canadian exports.
These tariffs are causing supply chain disruptions and increased costs for many businesses. If your operations rely on U.S. trade, now is the time to explore tariff relief and export diversification strategies.
Canada’s Response: Counter-Tariffs in Effect
In retaliation, the Government of Canada implemented counter-tariffs designed to protect domestic industries:
- February 4, 2025 – A 25% counter-tariff was imposed on a broad selection of U.S. products.
- April 3, 2025 – Canada announced 25% tariffs on U.S. vehicles that fail to meet CUSMA standards, while maintaining earlier countermeasures.
Products Affected by Canada’s Counter-Tariffs
Canadian businesses importing or reselling goods from the U.S. should be aware of the categories hit by these tariffs:
- Agricultural Products: Poultry, dairy (milk, butter, cheese), eggs, and tomatoes
- Food & Beverages: Orange juice, peanut butter, wine
- Consumer Goods: Clothing, footwear, motorcycles
- Industrial Goods: Pulp and paper, steel and iron products
Canada’s Response to U.S. Tariffs: Key Measures and Affected Products
In direct response to escalating trade tensions and tariff actions taken by the United States, the Government of Canada has implemented a series of countermeasures aimed at defending Canadian economic interests and supporting domestic businesses.
On February 4, 2025, Canada introduced a 25% retaliatory tariff on a wide array of U.S.-origin goods. These measures were enacted as a response to the earlier U.S. tariffs targeting Canadian exports, including steel, aluminum, and energy products. The Government of Canada has made it clear that these counter-tariffs will remain in force as long as U.S. trade restrictions against Canadian goods continue.
Further intensifying its trade strategy, Canada announced on April 3, 2025, that it would apply 25% tariffs on all vehicles imported from the United States that are non-compliant with the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). This move underscores Canada’s commitment to enforcing trade fairness under the established rules of North American trade.
The tariffs imposed by Canada are strategically spread across multiple sectors to apply pressure while safeguarding essential domestic industries. The affected product categories include:
- Agricultural Goods: This includes live poultry such as chickens and turkeys; poultry meat and edible offal; dairy products like milk, cream, butter, cheese, and curd; eggs; natural honey; and fresh or chilled tomatoes.
- Food and Beverage Items: Affected imports include orange juice, peanut butter, and wine—key staples from the U.S. market.
- Consumer Products: Clothing and apparel, footwear, and motorcycles have also been subjected to the 25% tariff, reflecting the broad impact across retail sectors.
- Industrial Goods: Tariffs also cover select pulp and paper products, as well as various articles of iron and steel—industries vital to Canadian manufacturing and construction.
These counter-tariffs are part of a measured and strategic approach by Canada to uphold its trade rights, protect Canadian jobs, and maintain a level playing field for its businesses. For up-to-date details on the federal government’s ongoing response and available support programs for affected companies and workers, visit the Government of Canada’s trade and tariff resource portal.
Support for Canadian Exporters: Trade Commissioner Service (TCS)
If your business is being affected by U.S. tariffs, you’re not alone. The Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) is offering strategic assistance to help Canadian companies reduce their dependency on U.S. markets and explore new trade routes.
TCS Services Include:
- Impact Assessments – Understand how tariffs are affecting your specific industry.
- Market Diversification – Identify and enter alternative markets outside of the U.S.
- Business Networking – Gain connections to international trade partners.
- Strategic Partnerships – Discover new collaboration and export growth opportunities.
Additional Resources:
- Self-Help Tools: FAQs and expert guides on navigating U.S. tariff impacts
- Export Diversification Programs: Funding, training, and access to emerging global markets
- Partner Organizations: Work with agencies offering grants and international expansion support
THE CANADA TARIFF FINDER
The Canada Tariff Finder is a user-friendly online tool designed to help Canadian businesses identify import or export tariffs for specific goods and global markets, particularly those with which Canada has Free Trade Agreements. It provides both general tariff rates and preferential rates under existing agreements, including any tariff phase-out periods. Users can compare tariffs across up to three countries or products by entering keywords or Harmonized System (HS) codes. Results can be printed or emailed for convenience. This tool is a collaborative initiative by the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC), Export Development Canada (EDC), and the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service.
Find the tariff applicable for your product | Canada Tariff Finder
Need Help Navigating Trade Challenges?
At Timmins Economic Development, they’re committed to helping your business stay competitive despite changing global trade policies. Whether you’re concerned about specific tariffs or want to explore new export opportunities, stay tune for the next article.
📞 Contact them today for customized support and access to financial resources, strategic planning, and government funding programs.
Trade and Tariff Support – Invest Timmins