Supporting Canadian exporters through United States tariff challenges

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

  • International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) tariffs on Canadian goods: On March 4, 2025, the U.S. imposed tariffs of 25% on goods imported from Canada, and 10% on energy products since amended to include potash. As of March 7, 2025, a tariff exemption applies for Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA)-compliant goods (i.e., goods that qualify for preferential duty-free treatment under the agreement) subject to these tariffs. On August 1, 2025, this 25% tariff increased to 35%. The tariff rate on energy products and potash remains 10%.
  • Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum: On March 12, 2025, the U.S. imposed a global 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports, including from Canada. On June 4, 2025, the U.S. increased its tariffs on steel and aluminum imports to 50% and expanded the scope to include additional derivative products. On August 18, the U.S. further expanded the scope of its tariffs on steel and aluminum imports to include additional derivative products. For steel and aluminum derivative products, the 50% tariff applies only to the value of the steel and aluminum content. 
  • Section 232 tariffs on automobiles and parts: On April 3, 2025, the U.S. imposed a global 25% tariff on imports of automobiles and light trucks, including from Canada. For Canada and Mexico, the tariff on automobiles and light trucks applies to the non-U.S. content of vehicles imported under CUSMA (subject to the approval of the Secretary of Commerce on a model-by-model basis), and to the full value of vehicles not imported under CUSMA. On May 3, 2025, the U.S. imposed tariffs of 25% on non-CUSMA compliant auto parts.
  • Section 232 tariffs on copper: On August 1, 2025, the U.S. imposed a global tariff of 50% on imports of semi-finished copper products and derivatives, including from Canada. The 50% tariff applies only to the value of the copper content in these products.

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
  • IEEPA tariffs

Certain goods may also be subject to:

  • sectoral tariffs imposed on imports under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, including:
    • 50% on steel and aluminum, and their derivative products
    • 25% on automobiles and auto parts
    • 50% on copper, and their derivative products

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, unless they are CUSMA-compliant. Goods shipped via the postal network will be required to pay tariffs regardless of CUSMA-compliance status.

De minimis, IEEPA tariffs, and CUSMA compliance

For shipments subject to IEEPA tariffs, the IEEPA tariff amount will depend on the effective tariff rate set under the IEEPA and the country of origin of the imported product. For shipments where Canada is the country of origin, the effective IEEPA tariff rate is 35% (10% for energy and potash).

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

Commercial shipments from Canada that previously entered the U.S. duty-free under de minimis exception may not be subject to the IEEPA 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 CBP at the time of importation regardless of CUSMA-compliance status. For example, any goods shipped from Canada to the U.S. using Canada Post are subject to the IEEPA 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.

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, the Government implemented the United States Surtax Remission Order (2025), which provides temporary 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, health care, public safety, and national security objectives.

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

If your business is affected by the U.S. tariffs, explore available resources to navigate the situation.

How we can help

We can help you navigate tariffs by:

  • understanding how your business is affected
  • identifying potential new markets
  • connecting you with the right contacts to help problem solve
  • finding potential partners and opportunities in new markets

Problem-solving resources

Self-serve resources for problem solving in relation to U.S. imposed tariffs: Get answers to frequently asked questions regarding the tariffs. Check back regularly for more frequently asked questions.

Export diversification support

Diversify your exports with the Trade Commissioner Service: Find new export markets with our support. Get access to funding and tailored support programs to help you diversify your exports.

Support from our partners

Expanding globally is easier with the right support. Explore resources, programs, and expertise from our partners.

Industry-specific support

Get tailored support and resources:

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

Access tariff support tailored to your province. Some provinces and territories have not released any 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

Explore tools to find tariff and duty information for Canadian exporters.

Statistics

International Trade Statistics: Statistics Canada's data, tools, and reports to provide you with the latest information on Canada's international trade and investment activity.

Focus on Canada and the United States: Data and insights on Canada's trade and investment activities with the U.S.

Contact us

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

Stay connected

Additional Information

Date modified: