Tariff Resources and Updates

March

March 17, 2025

• St. Catharines City Council discussed the St. Catharines Tariff Mitigation Plan and approved a temporary ‘Canada-First’ procurement policy as a measure in response to the ongoing tariff situation. The procurement policy intends to prioritize Canadian-made goods and services, supporting the long-term sustainability of local industries. This policy is designed to align with Canadian trade obligations while also fostering economic resilience within the city.
  Other mitigation actions include:
  • Engaging with local businesses to help them navigate the effects of tariffs
  • Engaging in active advocacy on behalf of local businesses and residents to secure the support needed to mitigate the adverse impacts
  • Continuing collaboration with industry associations, provincial, and federal agencies to address the broader impacts of tariffs
  • Continuing efforts to attract investment, diversify the economy, and promote long-term business growth.

March 14, 2025

• Marc Carney sworn in as Canada's prime minister.

March 13, 2025

• Ontario Premier Doug Ford and other Government of Canada representatives meet with U.S. officials at the White House to discuss tariffs and trade.

March 12, 2025

• Canada hits back at U.S. with $29.8B in new counter-tariffs on steel, aluminum and other goods

• Bank of Canada cuts interest rate by quarter-point to 2.75 per cent

• U.S. hardens rules for visiting Canadians

• Trump’s 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminum now in place

March 11, 2025

• Ontario suspending 25 per cent surcharge on provincially generated electricity purchased by U.S. states

• Donald Trump says he’ll hike tariffs to 50 per cent on all Canadian steel and aluminum effective March 12

• Loblaw rolls out ‘tariff’ symbols on products seeing higher prices due to trade war

MARCH 10, 2025

• Ontario Applies 25 Per Cent Surcharge on Electricity Exports to United States

March 6, 2025

• Trump pausing tariffs on some Canadian goods until April 2

• Ontario slapping 25 per cent surcharge on U.S.-bound electricity Monday

March 5, 2025

• Trump grants 1-month exemption for U.S. automakers from new tariffs on imports from Mexico, Canada

• St. Catharines mayor in Washington with binational delegation to oppose tariffs

• Ottawa moves to guard businesses against hostile takeovers during trade war

March 4, 2025

• Ontario responds to tariffs

  • Alcohol from the United States has been wiped from the shelves of the LCBO, a contract between Ontario and Elon Musk‘s Starlink internet provider has been ripped up and American companies will be banned from bidding on public contracts as the Ford government slaps back against tariffs.

• Statement from Regional Chair and Niagara Mayors on imposition of American tariffs on Canadian goods

• Statement by the Prime Minister on unjustified U.S. tariffs against Canada

• Canada announces robust tariff package in response to unjustified U.S. tariffs

• United States proceeds with imposing tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico

February

February 11, 2025

• Ontario Chamber of Commerce conducting a business survey on impact of tariffs, click here to participate
• President Trump signs executive order imposing 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum

February 3, 2025

• United States pauses tariffs on Canadian goods for one month

Government Support Programs

• Niagara Economic Development
• Global Affairs Canada
• Trade Commissioner Service
• Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
• Ministry of Economic Development Job Creation and Trade
• Export Development Canada (EDC)
• Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)

Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) Benefits

• Duties Relief Program
• Drawback Program
• Custom Bonded Warehouse Program
• Export Distribution Centre Program
• Exporters of Processing Services Program

Learn More

Trade Accelerator Program

Export Development Canada (EDC) and the World Trade Centre of Toronto are partnering to bring you the Trade Accelerator Program (TAP), a comprehensive learning platform where you will learn how to expand your business' global reach and enjoy direct mentorship and highly personalized coaching from industry experts.

Trade Diversification

• Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP): A free trade agreement with 10 Indo-Pacific countries.
• Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA): Provides Canadian businesses access to growth opportunities in the European Union.
• Global Affairs Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy aims to expand trade and investment in the fastest-growing region, which represents over 4 billion people and $47.2 trillion in economic activity.