Tariff/Trade
This page brings together information on U.S. and Canadian tariff measures, available relief and business-support programs, Chamber research, and links to authoritative government and trade resources.
Latest Trade Update
Updated August 25, 2026 - Canada has announced new counter-tariffs on U.S. imports in response to recently implemented U.S. trade measures, alongside additional supports for affected Canadian workers and businesses. Canada-U.S. negotiations remain unresolved, with several tariff measures now affecting different products and sectors.
Provincial Chamber Network
Ontario Chamber of Commerce
The Ontario Chamber of Commerce brings together businesses, local chambers and industry leaders to advocate for Ontario's competitiveness. Access resources and updates on tariffs, trade policy, market diversification and the conditions Ontario businesses need to compete and grow.
National Chamber Network
Canadian Chamber of Commerce
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce provides national advocacy, economic analysis and business resources related to Canada-U.S. trade. Its work includes tariff research, CUSMA resources, trade-impact data and analysis from the Business Data Lab.
Explore Canadian Chamber trade resources →
Tariff Measures
Several different U.S. and Canadian tariff measures currently affect the Canada-U.S. trading relationship. These measures arise from different laws, apply to different products and sectors, and have different rules for determining when tariffs apply. The sections below provide a plain-language overview of the major measures Huron County businesses may encounter.
Section 232 Sectoral Tariffs
- Section 232 of the U.S. Trade Expansion Act of 1962 allows the United States to restrict imports when they are determined to threaten U.S. national security. These measures are commonly referred to as sectoral tariffs because they apply to specific industries and product groups.
- Section 232 tariffs currently affect Canadian exports in sectors including steel, aluminum, copper, automobiles and trucks and their parts, lumber and wood products, buses, and certain other products. Tariff rates, exemptions and treatment vary considerably by sector and product.
- Official U.S. source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Section 232 Investigations →
- Canadian context: Government of Canada, Understanding CUSMA Compliance →
Section 301 Tariffs
- Section 301 of the U.S. Trade Act of 1974 allows the United States to investigate and respond to foreign government practices it considers unreasonable, discriminatory or harmful to U.S. commerce.
- The current Section 301 measure affecting Canada stems from a U.S. investigation into how trading partners prohibit and enforce restrictions on imports produced with forced labour. Canada is subject to a 10 per cent tariff under the measure, with CUSMA-compliant goods and certain other products exempt.
- Official U.S. source: U.S. Trade Representative, Forced Labour Section 301 Investigation →
- Canadian context: Global Affairs Canada, Section 301 Tariffs and Canada →
Section 338 Tariffs
- Section 338 of the U.S. Tariff Act of 1930 allows the U.S. president to impose additional duties of up to 50 per cent in response to foreign trade practices considered discriminatory or disadvantageous to U.S. commerce.
- The United States invoked Section 338 against Canada in 2026, with 50 per cent tariffs taking effect August 22 on $27.6 billion in Canadian goods. These tariffs are separate from the sector-specific Section 232 measures and the Section 301 tariffs.
- Official U.S. source: U.S. Trade Representative, Section 338 Tariffs on Canada →
- Canadian context: Government of Canada, Response to U.S. Section 338 Tariffs →
- Section 338 Tariff Guide - c/o Huron Chamber →
Canadian Counter-Tariffs
- Canada has imposed counter-tariffs on selected U.S. products in response to U.S. trade measures. Existing Canadian counter-tariffs remain in place on certain U.S. products, including measures affecting steel, aluminum and automobiles.
- On August 25, 2026, Canada announced additional counter-tariffs taking effect September 8. The new measures apply tariffs of 15, 25 or 50 per cent to $27.6 billion in U.S. imports, with individual rates based on the corresponding U.S. tariff applied to affected Canadian goods.
- Government of Canada: August 25 Counter-Tariff Announcement →
- Product list: Products Subject to Counter-Tariffs Effective September 8 →
- Guide to Counter-Tariffs Effective September 8 - c/o Huron Chamber →
CUSMA
- The Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement, or CUSMA, governs much of the trade among Canada, the United States and Mexico. Goods that meet CUSMA rules of origin can qualify for preferential tariff treatment.
- CUSMA compliance has become particularly important during the current trade dispute because it can determine whether some U.S. tariffs apply to Canadian goods. It does not, however, provide a blanket exemption from all U.S. tariffs. In particular, CUSMA-compliant goods can still be subject to Section 232 sectoral tariffs.
- Government of Canada: Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement →
- For businesses: Step-by-Step Guide to CUSMA Compliance →
Relief & Support
Businesses affected by tariffs and trade disruption may have access to tariff relief, financing, working-capital support, export assistance and other government or government-supported programs. Some measures are intended to reduce or recover tariff costs directly, while others can help businesses manage cash-flow pressures, adjust supply chains, improve productivity or diversify into new markets.
Eligibility varies considerably by program. Businesses should review the current requirements directly with the organization administering each program.
Tariff Remission
- Canadian businesses facing counter-tariffs on goods imported from the United States can request exceptional relief from those tariffs through the federal tariff remission process.
- Remission may be considered where necessary goods or suitable substitutes cannot reasonably be sourced from Canada or from non-U.S. suppliers, or where tariffs create exceptional circumstances with potentially severe adverse economic effects. Applications are considered individually and require businesses to provide detailed information about their sourcing, costs, operations and the expected consequences of the tariff.
- Government of Canada: Process for Requesting Remission of Tariffs on Certain U.S. Goods →
Duties Relief Program
- The Canada Border Services Agency's Duties Relief Program allows qualifying businesses to import commercial goods without paying applicable duties when those goods will later be exported, either in the same condition or after being used in manufacturing or processing.
- For businesses that import U.S. inputs to manufacture goods for export, the program can avoid the cash-flow cost of paying duties and subsequently seeking a refund. Businesses must apply to participate in the program and maintain records demonstrating that the imported goods ultimately qualify for export treatment.
- Official information: Canada Border Services Agency, Duties Relief Program →
Duty Drawback Program
- The Duty Drawback Program serves a similar purpose to Duties Relief, but applies when duties have already been paid. Qualifying businesses can apply for a refund of duties paid on imported commercial goods that are later exported, either directly or after being used in the production of exported goods.
- In practical terms, Duties Relief can allow qualifying businesses to avoid paying duties at the time of import, while Drawback provides a mechanism to recover qualifying duties after they have been paid.
- Official information: Canada Border Services Agency, Drawback Program →
BDC Support
- BDC offers financing and advisory support intended to help Canadian businesses respond to tariffs and trade uncertainty. Support can help businesses preserve cash flow, absorb increased costs, purchase equipment, adjust supply chains or make other investments needed to adapt to changing trade conditions.
- BDC's Pivot to Grow program can provide financing of up to $5 million to eligible businesses. BDC also offers sector-specific tariff support, working-capital financing and advisory services focused on improving trade resilience and competitiveness.
- The federal government announced additional BDC tariff-response funding and expanded eligibility on August 25, 2026. Businesses should review BDC's current criteria when applying, as individual program pages may be updated as the new measures are implemented.
- BDC: Tariffs and Economic Uncertainty, Resources for Canadian Businesses →
- Financing: BDC Pivot to Grow →
EDC Support
- Export Development Canada's Trade Impact Program provides additional financing and risk-management capacity for Canadian exporters, companies that supply exporters, and other businesses navigating trade uncertainty.
- Support can include working-capital financing, trade credit insurance, guarantees, foreign-exchange solutions, longer financing terms and assistance with market diversification. These tools may be particularly useful for businesses facing cash-flow pressure, changing U.S. orders or increased risk in existing export markets.
- EDC: Trade Impact Program and Tariff Support for Canadian Companies →
Regional Tariff Response Initiative
- The Regional Tariff Response Initiative provides funding to small and medium-sized businesses affected by tariffs and trade disruption. In southern Ontario, including Huron County, the program is delivered by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, FedDev Ontario.
- Funding is intended to help businesses improve productivity, reduce costs, strengthen supply chains, adopt new technologies and equipment, and enter or expand into new markets. Eligibility requirements include business size, employment and location criteria, along with demonstrated exposure to tariff-related pressures.
- The federal government announced additional funding for the initiative on August 25, 2026. Businesses should review FedDev Ontario's current eligibility and application information for the latest program details.
- FedDev Ontario: Regional Tariff Response Initiative for Businesses →
Protect Ontario Financing
- Ontario's Protect Ontario Financing Program provides working-capital loans to eligible Ontario businesses experiencing significant financial pressure because of U.S. tariffs. Funding can support operating expenses such as payroll, leases and utilities rather than capital projects.
- The program initially focused on businesses affected directly or indirectly by Section 232 tariffs in sectors including steel, aluminum, copper and automotive manufacturing. Ontario announced on August 24, 2026 that eligibility would be expanded to businesses affected by the new Section 338 tariffs.
- Businesses should review the current provincial eligibility criteria, including revenue, employment, operating-history and tariff-exposure requirements, before applying.
- Government of Ontario: Protect Ontario Financing Program →
Other Federal Supports
- The Government of Canada has introduced a broader package of financing, investment, business-support and workforce measures in response to U.S. tariffs and trade disruption.
- On August 25, 2026, the federal government announced an additional $7.5 billion in tariff-response measures. The package includes expanded support through BDC and the Regional Tariff Response Initiative, a new $2 billion Canada Strong Diversification Fund, changes to the Large Enterprise Tariff Loan facility, and additional measures intended to help businesses retain and retrain workers.
- Some of these measures are newly announced and detailed application information may continue to change as programs are implemented. The Government of Canada's central tariff-support page provides links to current federal programs and eligibility information.
- Government of Canada: Support for Canadian Workers and Businesses Affected by U.S. Tariffs →
- August 25 announcement: Federal Tariff Response and Business Support Package →
Trade Resources
The following resources provide additional information, tools and services for businesses, employers and workers affected by changes in Canada-U.S. trade. Some are also linked elsewhere on this page where they relate to a specific tariff or support program.
Government & Trade Tools
- Canada-U.S. Relations: Overview & Federal Supports
The Government of Canada's central directory for businesses and workers affected by Canada-U.S. trade issues. It brings together tariff information, business financing and relief programs, workforce supports, importing and exporting resources, and CUSMA guidance. - Trade Commissioner Service: U.S. Tariff Resources
A practical starting point for Canadian exporters. The Trade Commissioner Service brings together information on current U.S. tariffs, CUSMA compliance, tariff and duty tools, remission and tax relief, market diversification, and assistance from Trade Commissioners. - Canada Tariff Finder
Search tariff rates by product or Harmonized System code and compare tariff treatment across different markets. The free tool is a collaboration between the Trade Commissioner Service, BDC and EDC. - Canadian Customs Tariff
The Canada Border Services Agency's authoritative tariff resource for goods imported into Canada, including tariff classifications and applicable preferential tariff treatments. - Business Benefits Finder
A Government of Canada tool that produces a customized list of government programs and services based on a business's circumstances, including grants, financing, tax credits, wage subsidies and advisory services.
Workforce & Human Resources
Tariff disruption can affect businesses through reduced production, shorter working hours, layoffs and changing workforce requirements. Federal and provincial measures are available to support affected workers and help employers retain and train employees.
- Temporary Employment Insurance Measures
Temporary EI measures make benefits more accessible to affected workers, including waiving the normal one-week waiting period, changing the treatment of separation payments such as severance and vacation pay, and providing additional weeks of regular benefits for qualifying long-tenured workers. - Work-Sharing Program
Work-Sharing can help employers avoid layoffs during a temporary reduction in business activity. Employees agree to reduced working hours and receive Employment Insurance benefits for part of their lost income. Special tariff measures expand the normal program and currently allow qualifying agreements to run for up to 76 weeks. - Worker Retention Grant
Employers with an approved and implemented Work-Sharing agreement can apply for funding to provide additional income support to eligible employees who participate in training while working reduced hours. Applications are currently open through December 31, 2026. - Skills Advance Ontario
Skills Advance Ontario provides workforce-development funding for employers and training partners responding to tariffs, trade disruption and changing labour-market needs. Support can include upskilling, reskilling and, in qualifying projects, wage support while employees participate in training. - New Federal Worker & Employer Supports
The federal tariff-response package announced August 25, 2026 includes further measures for worker retention, retraining and Employment Insurance. Some of these measures are newly announced and detailed program information may continue to be updated as they are implemented.
Exporting & Market Diversification
- Trade Commissioner Service
Canada's Trade Commissioner Service can help businesses understand foreign markets, identify potential customers and partners, address market-access issues and develop opportunities outside their existing export markets. - Export Development Canada
EDC provides financing, trade credit insurance, foreign-exchange solutions, market intelligence and other tools for Canadian exporters. Its Trade Impact Program provides additional financing and risk-management capacity for businesses affected by tariffs and trade uncertainty. - Business Development Bank of Canada
BDC provides financing, advisory services and practical resources for businesses adapting to tariff and economic uncertainty. Support includes tariff-specific financing, working-capital options and advice on productivity, supply-chain resilience and market diversification.
Industry & Sector Resources
- Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada maintains a dedicated collection of programs and services for producers, food processors and other agri-food businesses affected by trade disruption. Resources include business risk management programs, financing, cash-flow support and export-market assistance. - Farm Credit Canada
FCC's Trade Disruption Customer Support Program provides financing flexibility for Canadian farm operations, agribusinesses and food processors managing financial pressure related to tariffs and other international market disruptions. - Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium
EMC's Canada-U.S. Trade Relations edition of its Member Needs Help service brings together practical tariff information, industry questions, peer knowledge and manufacturing-specific resources. The trade-relations edition is currently available to Canadian manufacturers beyond EMC's regular membership. - Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters
Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters provides manufacturing-sector analysis, business information and advocacy related to tariffs, Canada-U.S. trade, CUSMA, supply chains, investment and manufacturing competitiveness.
About This Resource
The Strathroy & District Chamber of Commerce maintains this resource to help local businesses navigate a rapidly changing Canada-U.S. trade environment. We will continue to update trade information, business supports, reference material and local research as new developments occur.
Information on this page is provided for general information purposes only. The Strathroy & District Chamber of Commerce makes every reasonable effort to ensure that information is accurate and current at the time of publication, but tariff rates, product coverage, government programs, eligibility requirements and trade policies can change quickly. Businesses should confirm information affecting specific transactions or business decisions with the appropriate government agency, customs broker, legal or trade adviser, or other qualified professional.
Last updated August 2026