Ottawa adjusts tariff relief measures to protect Canadian workers, strengthen industrial competitiveness, and encourage greater use of Canadian-made goods amid ongoing U.S. trade pressures.

As Canadian businesses navigate the economic uncertainty created by U.S. tariffs and shifting global trade conditions, Ottawa is extending key tariff relief measures while introducing changes designed to strengthen domestic supply chains and support Canadian manufacturers.

Finance and National Revenue Minister François-Philippe Champagne announced that the federal government would extend its horizontal tariff remission measures by one year, to June 30, 2028, providing continued relief for Canadian companies affected by U.S. tariffs.

The expanded measures will also cover non-steel goods used in mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction, along with all goods used by public education entities, including those mandated by Indigenous organizations.

“As Canadian businesses and workers continue to face growing global uncertainty, our government is committed to protecting and supporting them. By adjusting our tariff relief measures, we are helping our businesses staying competitive, encouraging the use of Canadian-made goods, and protecting our industries and workers most impacted by the unfair U.S. tariffs,” said Champagne.

Balancing Tariff Relief with Canadian Production

While extending support for affected industries, Ottawa is also adjusting exemptions to encourage greater use of domestically manufactured products.

Following consultations with stakeholders, the government will remove horizontal tariff relief for selected goods where Canadian production capacity has been identified.

The changes will take effect on December 1, 2026, for certain trailers, followed by February 1, 2027, for specific aluminum wire, aluminum extrusions, and paperboard products.

The phased implementation will give importers time to adjust their supply chains, explore Canadian alternatives, or apply for case-by-case tariff remission.

Recognizing that some businesses cannot readily replace American suppliers, the government is also introducing targeted relief for certain imported goods facing shortages in Canada and companies dealing with exceptional circumstances, including existing contractual obligations.

“Canada’s message is clear: we will continue to stand up for Canadian workers and businesses in the face of unjustified U.S. tariffs. Extending these tariff relief measures gives Canadian companies the support they need today while encouraging greater use of Canadian-made goods and services. By strengthening domestic supply chains and supporting Canadian producers, we are helping build a stronger, more resilient economy for the future,” said Dominic LeBlanc, President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs, Internal Trade and One Canadian Economy.

Streamlining Relief and Strengthening Economic Resilience

To accelerate access to tariff exemptions, the Department of Finance will publish detailed product schedules directly on its website and incorporate them by reference into the relevant orders.

The revised approach is intended to streamline regulatory processes, improve transparency, and deliver more immediate relief to businesses and producers navigating trade disruptions.

“In a more uncertain world, Canada will continue to invest in the workers and industries facing the unfair U.S. tariffs. These updated measures will continue to build more resilient supply chains, support our workers, and strengthen Canada’s economic security competitive advantage,” said Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions.

Together, the changes reflect Ottawa’s effort to balance immediate financial relief with longer-term economic resilience, supporting businesses dependent on U.S. imports while creating stronger incentives to source goods domestically.

The updated measures position tariff relief as both a response to ongoing trade pressures and a tool for strengthening Canadian industrial competitiveness.

For detailed product schedules and eligibility information, visit the Department of Finance Canada’s tariff relief page.