Tariff Support

The Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario delivers the enhanced Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) to help businesses facing tariff pressures and trade disruptions. Support is available for working capital, business continuity, market diversification, productivity investments, and competitiveness initiatives.

Funding may include:

• Liquidity support
• Working capital assistance
• Market diversification projects
• Productivity improvements
• Business resiliency investments
• Capital investment projects

Please contact FedDev at info@feddevontario.gc.ca or 1-866-593-5505 for more information.

The Business Development Bank of Canada’s Pivot to Grow Program provides financing for businesses affected by tariffs and trade uncertainty.

Funding can support:

• Working capital needs
• Productivity improvements
• Equipment purchases
• Supply chain adjustments
• Business expansion
• New market development

Learn more on the Pivot to Grow webpage.

The Government of Canada’s Canada Strong portal provides access to funding, financing, workforce supports, export assistance, tax relief measures, and tariff response programs.

Resources include:

• Tariff support programs
• Workforce retention supports
• Market diversification resources
• Export assistance
• Business financing programs

Learn more on the Canada Strong webpage.

The Province of Ontario’s Protect Ontario Financing Program provides working capital assistance to Ontario businesses experiencing tariff-related financial pressures.

Funding can help support:

• Payroll
• Utilities
• Lease payments
• Operating expenses
• Business continuity

Learn more on the Protect Ontario Financing Program webpage.

The AMIC Stream supports manufacturers making investments in innovation, automation, technology adoption, productivity improvements, and supply chain resiliency.

Learn more on the Regional Development Program webpage.

SWODF supports strategic investments that improve competitiveness, productivity, job creation, and business expansion in Southwestern Ontario.

Learn more on the Regional Development Program webpage.

RODP supports rural economic development initiatives that strengthen business growth, workforce attraction, investment readiness, and economic diversification.

Learn more on the Rural Ontario Development Program webpage.

Tariffs are taxes imposed by governments on imported goods. They are used to:
✔ Protect domestic industries
✔ Generate government revenue
✔ Influence trade policy

Tariffs can lead to higher costs for businesses that rely on imported goods and may affect competitiveness for exporters.

Export Development Canada has developed a comprehensive article – How tariffs work | EDC

All products exported or imported have a Harmonized System (HS) Code, learn how to use them here – What is an HS Code | BDC.ca

• Importers: Higher costs due to duties on U.S. goods
• Exporters: Reduced competitiveness in the U.S. market if Canadian goods face tariffs
• Supply Chains: Disruptions due to increased costs and regulatory changes

Canada-U.S. Trade Agreements
Canada and the U.S. are part of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), which allows duty-free trade on many products. However, certain goods may still face tariffs due to trade disputes or industry-specific regulations.
For details, visit Canada’s Trade Agreements.

For the latest updates on Canada’s tariff response, please visit:

• Canada’s tariff responses to the changing global trade landscape
• News: Department of Finance Canada

• FCC Financing: $1 billion in new financing through Farm Credit Canada.
• Duty Drawback Program: Helps Canadian companies compete in export markets by removing the domestic duty impact from commercial goods.
• Supports for Business: Find hundred of available programs and services quickly and easily.

Business to Bruce provides support to businesses navigating tariff impacts, trade disruptions, and changing market conditions.

Services include:

• Business consultations
• Grant navigation
• Export and market diversification resources
• Workforce and training support information
• Investment attraction assistance
• Business advisory services
• Connections to provincial and federal partners

To connect with a member of the Business to Bruce team, please email info@businesstobruce.com or call 1-800-268-3838.

Finding New Markets

• Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC): Support to pursue sales to foreign governments at all levels and provides a government-to-government contracting mechanism that de-risks the transaction for both you and your buyer.
• U.S. market intelligence | EDC
• Diversify your exports with the Trade Commissioner Service
• Expand your business into new markets: Support for new market entry, reducing risk, trade data and inclusive trade.

Funding to Support Expansion

• Small business loan: Apply online for up to $100,000
• Helping small businesses get loans
• Pivot to grow loan | BDC.ca

Existing Support Programs

• Risk Management Program – Designed to help agriculture producers manager risk beyond their control like fluctuating costs and market prices.

• Only certain U.S. goods are subject to Canadian tariffs.
• Canada Tariff Finder can help determine specific rates.
• Goods may qualify for duty-free treatment under CUSMA.

• Certain industries, such as steel, aluminum, dairy, and agriculture, face additional tariffs.
• A list of U.S. products subject to Canadian tariffs effective March 4, 2025, is available through the Department of Finance.

• Ensure proper documentation for CUSMA benefits.
• Consider alternative suppliers in non-tariff regions.
• Explore the remission process for certain tariffs (details here and process outlined here).

• Following a further announcement CUSMA compliant goods will have a 0% tariff, non CUSMA goods will see a 25% tariff and non-CUSMA compliant energy and potash will see a 10% tariff. 
• The U.S. applies tariffs on steel, aluminum, lumber, agriculture, and automotive parts.
• Check the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule for applicable rates.

Fact Sheet (August 1, 2025).

• Customs Documentation: Ensure accurate paperwork, including CUSMA certificates.
• Product Standards: U.S. regulations may require specific labeling, health, or safety standards.

• The U.S. may impose new tariffs based on trade negotiations.
• Stay informed through Global Affairs Canada.

• Utilize tariff exemptions under trade agreements.
• Partner with U.S. distributors to streamline compliance.
• Consider looking for alternative export opportunities (learn more about Exporting from Canada).
• Consider Foreign Trade Zones (FTZs) where goods can be stored without immediate tariffs.

• Canada’s Response to U.S. Tariffs on Canadian Goods
• Requesting Tariff Remissions
• Canada’s Trade Agreements
• Support for Canadian exporters faced with US tariffs
• Support for Canadian agriculture and agri-food industries impacted by trade disruptions
• Tax relief and support for businesses

• Global Affairs Canada – Tariff information, sanctions, export/import controls.
• Trade Commissioner Service – Assistance with funding, international trade opportunities.
• Trade Tracker – Real-time trade flow insights.

• Export Development Canada – Trade knowledge, financing, and insurance.
• BDC Support for Businesses Impacted by U.S. Tariffs
• Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters – Industry advocacy and support.
• Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses – Advocacy for small businesses.
• Start Up Canada – Tariff Toolkit – Information and events.
• Apply for the Duties Relief Program – Import goods without paying duties if they are re-exported.

• Ontario Made Directory and Canada Made Directory – Find Canadian-made products.
• “Made in Canada” and “Product of Canada” aren’t interchangeable – Outing the difference