Resources and tools for Canadian exporters facing U.S. tariffs

If the tariffs imposed by the United States (U.S.) are affecting your exports, the Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) can help you understand your options, connect you with the right resources, and explore opportunities in other markets. 

On this page

What you can do

1. Check whether your goods are CUSMA-compliant

CUSMA-compliant goods may be exempt from certain U.S. tariffs. To get help: 

2. Find tariff and duty information

Use tariff tools to check duty and tariff information based on your product and Harmonized System code. 

See: Tariff tools from the Government of Canada

3. Review remission and tax relief options

If your business is affected by tariffs, you may be able to access Government of Canada remission or tax relief measures. 

See: Remission and tax relief measures in response to U.S. tariffs

4. Contact a Trade Commissioner

We provide tailored advice to eligible Canadian companies throughout their export journey. 

If your business is affected by U.S. tariffs, we can help you: 

  • understand how your business may be affected  
  • identify potential new markets  
  • connect with qualified contacts to help problem solve  
  • find potential partners and opportunities in new markets 

Current U.S. tariff measures affecting exporters

The Trade Commissioner Service, alongside our partners, is working to help Canadian businesses navigate disruptions caused by the various tariffs imposed by the United States.

U.S. tariffs

On February 24, 2026, the U.S. imposed global 10% tariffs under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, replacing the tariffs imposed under the International Economic Emergency Powers Act (IEEPA) that were ruled invalid by the U.S. Supreme Court. 

Canadian (and Mexican) exports of CUSMA-compliant goods (i.e., goods that qualify for preferential duty-free treatment under CUSMA) are exempt from the 10% Section 122 tariff (in the same way CUSMA-compliant goods were exempt from IEEPA tariffs). A wide range of other goods are fully exempt from the Section 122 tariffs, regardless of CUSMA compliance status, including critical minerals, energy products, certain natural resources and fertilizers, certain agricultural products, certain pharmaceuticals, certain electronics, nearly all civil aircraft products, and goods subject to Section 232 tariffs. 

Section 122 authorizes the President to impose tariffs for a maximum of 150 days, unless extended by an Act of Congress.

U.S. sectoral tariffs

The U.S. maintains the following global sectoral tariffs under Section 232 (S. 232) of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 on imports, including from Canada:

  • 10% to 50% tariffs on steel, aluminum, and copper (including derivative products): As of April 6, 2026, goods within the scope of Section 232 steel, aluminum, and copper tariffs are subject to a tariff rate ranging from 10% to 50% on their full value, rather than a 50% tariff on their steel, aluminum, and copper content. Goods that contain less than 15% of applicable metal content (steel, aluminum, and/or copper) by weight are exempt. Goods that are composed of at least 85% U.S. steel, aluminum, and/or copper content are subject to a reduced tariff of 10%. 
  • 25% tariffs on autos and trucks (and their parts): The value of U.S. content in CUSMA compliant autos and trucks is exempt from the 25% tariffs. CUSMA compliant auto and truck parts are not currently subject to the 25% tariffs. 
  • 10% tariffs on buses: There is no CUSMA compliant or U.S. content exemption from the 10% tariff on imports of buses. 
  • 10% tariffs on softwood timber and lumber: There is no CUSMA compliant exemption from Section 232 tariffs on softwood timber and lumber.
  • 25% tariffs on certain upholstered furniture and kitchen cabinets and vanities: There is no CUSMA compliant exemption from Section 232 tariffs on certain upholstered furniture and kitchen cabinets and vanities. On January 1, 2027, the tariff on certain upholstered furniture is scheduled to increase to 30%, and the tariff on kitchen cabinets and vanities is scheduled to increase to 50%. 
  • 25% tariffs on certain semiconductors: The 25% tariff applies to a small subset of imports of certain semiconductors and derivative products. Goods used in domestic production and for other specified domestic purposes, including in U.S. data centres, research and development, and certain non-data-centre consumer and civil industrial applications, are exempt.

About the U.S. de minimis suspension

On August 29, 2025, the U.S. suspended the duty-free de minimis exception from duties and taxes for commercial shipments valued at US$800 or less.  

Key changes

Commercial shipments to the U.S. under US$800 are no longer duty-free. These shipments will now be subject to:

  • most-favoured nation (MFN) duties
  • applicable U.S. tariffs (e.g. Section 122 tariffs)

What this means for you: Canadian exporters shipping small-value goods to the U.S. may be required to pay duties on shipments that were previously exempt. Commercial shipments from Canada that previously entered the U.S. duty-free under de minimis exception may not be subject to the MFN and Section 122 tariffs if the goods are certified as CUSMA compliant. Note, however, that transportation carriers delivering shipments to the United States through the international postal network are required to collect and remit duties to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the time of importation regardless of CUSMA-compliance status. For example, most goods shipped from Canada to the U.S. using Canada Post are subject to the MFN and Section 122 tariffs and these duties must be prepaid before the goods cross the border. For more information on shipments to the U.S. via Canada Post, please see related resources below.

Note: The country of origin of your good is not necessarily the same as the country where you are shipping the good from.

Related resources

Remission and tax relief measures in response to U.S. tariffs

The Government of Canada is committed to supporting businesses and workers impacted by U.S tariffs. On April 16, 2025, the Government implemented the United States Surtax Remission Order (2025), to provide 6-month relief from tariffs on imports of U.S. goods that are used in Canadian manufacturing, processing and food and beverage packaging, and for those used to support public health, healthcare, public safety, and national security.

On October 17, 2025, the government announced that the temporary exemption for U.S. goods used in manufacturing, processing, or food and beverage packaging has been extended for an additional two months (until December 16, 2025), and now includes goods used in agricultural production. The temporary exemption from tariffs on imports of U.S. goods that are used to support public health, health care, public safety and national security has also been extended for an additional two months (until December 16, 2025).

Companies that are not eligible for remission under the temporary 6-month remission order, or that are seeking longer term relief, may file a remission request directly with the Department of Finance: Process for requesting remission of tariffs that apply on certain goods from the U.S. - Canada.ca

The Government has also implemented a performance-based remission framework for Canadian motor vehicle companies: Customs Notice 25-17 : United States Surtax Remission Order (Motor Vehicles 2025)

Canada Revenue Agency: Tax relief and support for businesses in response to tariffs

Export diversification support

If U.S. tariffs are affecting your business, you may want to explore opportunities in other markets. 

The Trade Commissioner Service can help eligible Canadian companies make informed decisions, reduce risks, and identify opportunities in international markets. 

Find support: Diversify your exports with the Trade Commissioner Service

Problem-solving resources

Use our self-serve resources to find answers to frequently asked questions about U.S. tariffs. 

Check back regularly, as more questions and answers may be added. 

Additional business support

Find resources and services that may help your business respond to tariff-related challenges. 

Financing and risk management

Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) 
Financing, advisory solutions and capital to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in all industries and at all stages of growth.​

Export Development Canada (EDC)
Canada's export credit agency, which helps Canadian companies of all sizes navigate, manage, and take on risk, allowing them to grow and succeed in global markets.​ 

Canada Small Business Financing Program (CSBFP) 
Support for small businesses to get loans from financial institutions by sharing the risk with lenders. 

Export planning and market opportunities

Export from Canada 
Support from the Government of Canada to sell your products and services abroad, support services, financing, permits, and more. 

Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC)   
Support to help Canadian businesses pursue sales to foreign governments at all levels, with a government-to-government contracting mechanism that de-risks the transaction for both you and your buyer.​ 

Forum for International Trade Training (FITT) 
Online international business training, resources and professional certification. Discover the following courses focused on export diversification:  

 

Programs, data and business intelligence

Business Benefits Finder 
Tool by the Government of Canada to find programs and services to help your business startup, scale up, and go global.  

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) 
Support to help you find and take advantage of the government programs and services you need to expand or scale up your business in Canada and around the world.​ 

Canadian Chamber of Commerce 
Canada’s largest business network, representing chambers of commerce, boards of trade and businesses across the country.

Navigating U.S. Tariffs: Support for Canadian SMEs 
Resources and expert guidance to help your business navigate the new U.S. tariffs and remain competitive. 

Industry-specific support

Find support and resources for specific industries affected by trade disruptions.

Agriculture and agri-food

Farm Credit Canada (FCC)
Financing and knowledge for agriculture, agribusiness, and food and beverage businesses.

Export Support for Canadian agriculture and agri-food industries impacted by trade disruptions
Programs to help you manage financial challenges and market disruptions caused by new tariffs imposed by other governments.   

Agriculture and agri-food trade between Canada and the United States
Key resources and information for the Canadian agriculture and agri-food sector regarding the bilateral trade situation.

Steel, aluminum and copper

BDC loans for steel, aluminum and copper companies impacted by tariffs
Financing for eligible Canadian businesses in the steel, aluminum or copper impacted by U.S. tariffs.

Forestry and wood products

Support for forest sector employers and workers 
Programs that provide liquidity support, assistance to workers affected by mill curtailments and closures, and programs to drive industry transformation.

Forest sector funding programs
Federal funding programs that help diversify forest products, markets and processes.

Provincial and territorial U.S. tariff export support and responses

Some provinces and territories offer tariff-related support, programs or information for businesses. 

Access tariff support tailored to your province or territory. Some provinces and territories may not have released tariff support programs at this time. 

All provinces and territories

Alberta

Atlantic Canada

British Columbia

Manitoba

New Brunswick

Newfoundland and Labrador

Nova Scotia

Ontario

Prince Edward Island

Quebec

Saskatchewan

Yukon

Resources for doing business in the U.S.

Tariff tools from the Government of Canada

Statistics

Use these resources for trade data and market context: 

Contact us

For general enquiries, please use the contact a Trade Commissioner form.

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Additional Information

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