Tariffs & Trade Hub
The Hamilton Chamber of Commerce provides businesses with current information and practical resources to help navigate the changing Canada-U.S. trade relationship. This hub brings together information on U.S. and Canadian tariff measures, available relief and business-support programs, Chamber research, and links to authoritative government and trade resources.
Tariff Measures
Relief & Support
Trade Resources
The Ontario Chamber of Commerce brings together businesses, local chambers and industry leaders to advocate for Ontario’s competitiveness. Access resources and updates on tariffs, trade policy, market diversification and the conditions Ontario businesses need to compete and grow.
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce provides national advocacy, economic analysis and business resources related to Canada-U.S. trade. Its work includes tariff research, CUSMA resources, trade-impact data and analysis from the Business Data Lab.
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Tariff Measures
Several different U.S. and Canadian tariff measures currently affect the Canada-U.S. trading relationship. These measures arise from different laws, apply to different products and sectors, and have different rules for determining when tariffs apply. The sections below provide a plain-language overview of the major measures Hamilton businesses may encounter.
Section 232 Tariffs
Section 232 of the U.S. Trade Expansion Act of 1962 allows the United States to restrict imports when they are determined to threaten U.S. national security. These measures are commonly referred to as sectoral tariffs because they apply to specific industries and product groups.
Section 232 tariffs currently affect Canadian exports in sectors including steel, aluminum, copper, automobiles and trucks and their parts, lumber and wood products, buses, and certain other products. Tariff rates, exemptions and treatment vary considerably by sector and product.
Official U.S. source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Section 232 Investigations →
Canadian context: Government of Canada, Understanding CUSMA Compliance →
Section 301 Tariffs
Section 301 of the U.S. Trade Act of 1974 allows the United States to investigate and respond to foreign government practices it considers unreasonable, discriminatory or harmful to U.S. commerce.
The current Section 301 measure affecting Canada stems from a U.S. investigation into how trading partners prohibit and enforce restrictions on imports produced with forced labour. Canada is subject to a 10 per cent tariff under the measure, with CUSMA-compliant goods and certain other products exempt.
Official U.S. source: U.S. Trade Representative, Forced Labour Section 301 Investigation →
Canadian context: Global Affairs Canada, Section 301 Tariffs and Canada →
Section 338 Tariffs
Section 338 of the U.S. Tariff Act of 1930 allows the U.S. president to impose additional duties of up to 50 per cent in response to foreign trade practices considered discriminatory or disadvantageous to U.S. commerce.
The United States invoked Section 338 against Canada in 2026, with 50 per cent tariffs taking effect August 22 on $27.6 billion in Canadian goods. These tariffs are separate from the sector-specific Section 232 measures and the Section 301 tariffs.
Official U.S. source: U.S. Trade Representative, Section 338 Tariffs on Canada →
Canadian context: Government of Canada, Response to U.S. Section 338 Tariffs →
Canadian Counter-Tariffs
Canada has imposed counter-tariffs on selected U.S. products in response to U.S. trade measures. Existing Canadian counter-tariffs remain in place on certain U.S. products, including measures affecting steel, aluminum and automobiles.
On August 25, 2026, Canada announced additional counter-tariffs taking effect September 8. The new measures apply tariffs of 15, 25 or 50 per cent to $27.6 billion in U.S. imports, with individual rates based on the corresponding U.S. tariff applied to affected Canadian goods.
The detailed product list has been revised since it was first published. Fish and seafood products were removed on August 26 following consultations with affected sectors. On August 28, Canada added other products to the list, including certain wood charcoal, copper wire, printed materials, plaster products and glass containers. Businesses should therefore use the current federal product list rather than relying on the original August 25 version.
The Hamilton Chamber Guide to Canada’s September 8 Counter-Tariffs has also been updated to reflect the revised product list and tariff rates.
Government of Canada: August 25 Counter-Tariff Announcement →
Current product list: Products Subject to Counter-Tariffs Effective September 8 →
Hamilton Chamber Guide: Hamilton Chamber Canadian Counter-Tariffs Guide →
CUSMA
The Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement, or CUSMA, governs much of the trade among Canada, the United States and Mexico. Goods that meet CUSMA rules of origin can qualify for preferential tariff treatment.
CUSMA compliance has become particularly important during the current trade dispute because it can determine whether some U.S. tariffs apply to Canadian goods. It does not, however, provide a blanket exemption from all U.S. tariffs. In particular, CUSMA-compliant goods can still be subject to Section 232 sectoral tariffs.
Government of Canada: Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement →
For businesses: Step-by-Step Guide to CUSMA Compliance →
Relief & Support
Businesses affected by tariffs and trade disruption may have access to tariff relief, financing, working-capital support, export assistance and other government or government-supported programs. Some measures are intended to reduce or recover tariff costs directly, while others can help businesses manage cash-flow pressures, adjust supply chains, improve productivity or diversify into new markets.
Eligibility varies considerably by program. Businesses should review the current requirements directly with the organization administering each program.
Tariff Remission
Canadian businesses facing counter-tariffs on goods imported from the United States can request exceptional relief from those tariffs through the federal tariff remission process.
Remission may be considered where necessary goods or suitable substitutes cannot reasonably be sourced from Canada or from non-U.S. suppliers, or where tariffs create exceptional circumstances with potentially severe adverse economic effects. Applications are considered individually and require businesses to provide detailed information about their sourcing, costs, operations and the expected consequences of the tariff.
Government of Canada: Process for Requesting Remission of Tariffs on Certain U.S. Goods →
Duties Relief Program
The Canada Border Services Agency’s Duties Relief Program allows qualifying businesses to import commercial goods without paying applicable duties when those goods will later be exported, either in the same condition or after being used in manufacturing or processing.
For businesses that import U.S. inputs to manufacture goods for export, the program can avoid the cash-flow cost of paying duties and subsequently seeking a refund. Businesses must apply to participate in the program and maintain records demonstrating that the imported goods ultimately qualify for export treatment.
Official information: Canada Border Services Agency, Duties Relief Program →
Duty Drawback Program
The Duty Drawback Program serves a similar purpose to Duties Relief, but applies when duties have already been paid. Qualifying businesses can apply for a refund of duties paid on imported commercial goods that are later exported, either directly or after being used in the production of exported goods.
In practical terms, Duties Relief can allow qualifying businesses to avoid paying duties at the time of import, while Drawback provides a mechanism to recover qualifying duties after they have been paid.
Official information: Canada Border Services Agency, Drawback Program →
Business Development Bank of Canada
BDC offers financing and advisory support to help Canadian businesses manage tariff-related cash-flow pressure, absorb increased costs, adjust supply chains, invest in productivity and adapt to changing trade conditions.
BDC’s expanded Pivot to Grow program includes a liquidity stream providing eligible businesses with loans from $250,000 to $5 million. The liquidity loans offer 0% interest for the first 12 months, interest-only payments for up to 36 months and amortization over up to 96 months. The program is available until March 31, 2028.
General eligibility requirements include being based in Canada, having at least $1 million in annual revenue, at least three years in business and a history of positive cash flow. For the liquidity stream, at least 15% of sales must come from exports to the United States and tariff costs must equal at least 5% of company revenue. Separate Pivot to Grow working-capital and equipment financing may also be available to businesses significantly affected by U.S. tariffs or related trade disruption.
BDC is also offering a six-month principal-payment deferral to eligible existing exporting clients affected by the latest tariffs, along with targeted programs for the steel, aluminum and forestry sectors.
BDC: Tariffs and Economic Uncertainty, Resources for Canadian Businesses →
Financing: BDC Pivot to Grow →
Export Development Canada
Export Development Canada’s Trade Impact Program provides additional financing, insurance and risk-management capacity for Canadian exporters and other businesses affected by tariffs and changing global trade conditions.
Effective September 1, 2026, EDC expanded the program to support a broader range of businesses, including more small and medium-sized exporters affected by U.S. tariffs. EDC is taking on additional risk and has established a $700 million direct-financing envelope with flexible terms designed to complement financing available through businesses’ financial institutions.
Support can include working-capital financing, guarantees, trade credit insurance, direct financing and other tools to help businesses protect cash flow, strengthen supply chains, invest in productivity and diversify into new international markets.
EDC: Trade Impact Program and Tariff Support for Canadian Companies →
Regional Tariff Response Initiative
The Regional Tariff Response Initiative provides funding to small and medium-sized businesses affected by tariffs and trade disruption. In southern Ontario, including Hamilton, the program is delivered by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, FedDev Ontario.
Applications are now open for the enhanced program. Tariff-affected businesses across all sectors with at least $1 million in annual revenue may be eligible for non-repayable liquidity assistance of up to $2 million. Liquidity support is normally based on up to 50% of eligible costs for a period of up to 12 months and is intended to help businesses maintain Canadian operations and employment while managing tariff-related cash-flow pressures.
Businesses can also apply for Pivot Project funding for investments that improve productivity, adopt technology, strengthen supply chains, diversify markets or otherwise reduce exposure to trade disruption. Non-repayable Pivot Project funding is available up to $1 million, normally covering up to 50% of eligible costs. Larger transformative projects can receive repayable funding of more than $1 million, normally covering up to 75% of eligible costs.
A business can receive up to $3 million in combined non-repayable support, consisting of up to $2 million in liquidity assistance and up to $1 million for a non-repayable Pivot Project. When repayable support is included, total RTRI funding can reach $20 million. Businesses may apply for liquidity assistance, a Pivot Project, or both.
FedDev Ontario: Regional Tariff Response Initiative in Southern Ontario →
Protect Ontario Financing Program
Ontario’s Protect Ontario Financing Program provides working-capital loans to eligible Ontario businesses experiencing significant financial pressure because of U.S. tariffs. Funding can support operating expenses such as payroll, lease payments and utilities rather than capital projects.
Eligibility includes businesses directly exporting, or participating in the supply chain of sectors affected by, Section 232 and Section 338 tariffs. Effective September 15, Ontario has expanded eligibility to businesses affected by the latest U.S. Section 338 tariff additions, including certain steel, aluminum and other metal products, mattresses, furniture, paper products, motorboats, golf carts, certain dairy and specialty cheese products, and selected animal-skin and leather products.
Eligibility is scheduled to expand again on September 29 to businesses affected by the planned U.S. import prohibitions on most Canadian alcoholic beverages, certain dairy-related products and motorcycles with engine capacities exceeding 800 cc.
Businesses generally must have at least $2 million in annual revenue, at least 10 full-time employees in Ontario and at least three years of operations and financial statements. Applicants must demonstrate a material tariff-related working-capital challenge and must have explored federal financial-support options and either exhausted them or encountered significant barriers to accessing them.
Businesses seeking support must require at least $250,000 in liquidity funding. The province uses an initial eligibility screening process before inviting qualifying businesses to proceed to the next stage.
Government of Ontario: Protect Ontario Financing Program →
Ontario Together Trade Fund
The Ontario Together Trade Fund supports Ontario businesses making near-term investments to respond to U.S. trade disruption, strengthen domestic supply chains, increase competitiveness and develop new markets, with particular emphasis on expanding interprovincial trade.
Eligible businesses generally must operate in Ontario, have at least three years of operations and financial statements and employ at least five full-time equivalent employees. Businesses must also demonstrate significant exposure to U.S. tariffs or trade disruption, or be making an investment that responds to supply-chain changes created by the tariffs.
Effective September 15, Ontario has expanded eligibility to businesses affected by the latest U.S. Section 338 tariff additions, including certain metal products, mattresses, furniture, paper products, motorboats, golf carts, certain dairy and specialty cheese products, and selected animal-skin and leather products. Eligibility is scheduled to expand again on September 29 to businesses affected by the planned U.S. import prohibitions on most Canadian alcoholic beverages, certain dairy-related products and motorcycles with engine capacities exceeding 800 cc.
For most eligible businesses, support is generally structured as grants or loans equal to 10% to 20% of eligible project costs, to a maximum of $5 million. Eligible projects can include market development, investments in advanced technology and processes, increased manufacturing capacity, and projects that create or protect Ontario jobs.
Government of Ontario: Ontario Together Trade Fund →
Canada Strong Diversification Fund
The federal Canada Strong Diversification Fund, delivered through the Strategic Response Fund, provides support to Canadian businesses facing significant impacts from U.S. tariffs. The fund includes support for projects that help companies adapt, pivot and diversify, as well as a capital-maintenance stream intended to help tariff-affected businesses maintain operations and productive capacity.
The adaptation and diversification stream focuses primarily on large-scale projects that support domestic production, new products and technologies, alternative markets, productivity and long-term competitiveness. The fund generally focuses on projects with more than $20 million in eligible project costs and requests for federal contributions of $10 million or more.
The capital-maintenance stream provides non-repayable funding for up to two years to businesses directly or indirectly affected by U.S. Section 338 tariffs. Applicants generally must have at least 10 full-time equivalent employees, $20 million in annual revenue and average annual capital expenditures of at least $5 million over the previous three fiscal years. Funding requests must be between $5 million and $30 million.
Applications are being accepted on a continuous basis until available funding is fully committed.
Government of Canada: Canada Strong Diversification Fund, Eligibility and Application →
Other Federal Tariff Response Supports
The Government of Canada has introduced a broader package of financing, investment, business-support and workforce measures in response to U.S. tariffs and trade disruption.
The $7.5 billion tariff-response package announced on August 25, 2026 includes the expanded BDC and Regional Tariff Response Initiative programs outlined above, the $2 billion Canada Strong Diversification Fund, new flexibilities under the Large Enterprise Tariff Loan facility and $3.5 billion in Rapid Response Supports for Workers and Employers.
The new Workforce Retention and Retraining Program is intended to help businesses retain and retrain employees who temporarily reduce their working hours. Participating employers will be able to receive up to $1,000 per employee for training costs, while eligible workers will be able to receive support equal to a total of 70% of lost earnings for time not worked. Until the new program comes into effect, the existing Work-Sharing Program and Worker Retention Grant continue to operate with additional flexibilities.
Large Canadian enterprises affected by tariffs can also review the Large Enterprise Tariff Loan facility, which provides financing to qualifying large businesses facing significant tariff-related pressures.
Government of Canada: Support for Canadian Workers and Businesses Affected by U.S. Tariffs →
Workforce support: Workforce Retention and Retraining Program →
August 25 announcement: Federal Tariff Response and Business Support Package →
Trade Resources
The following resources provide additional information, tools and services for businesses, employers and workers affected by changes in Canada-U.S. trade. Some are also linked elsewhere on this page where they relate to a specific tariff or support program.
Government & Trade Tools
Canada-U.S. Relations: Overview & Federal Supports
The Government of Canada’s central directory for businesses and workers affected by Canada-U.S. trade issues. It brings together tariff information, business financing and relief programs, workforce supports, importing and exporting resources, and CUSMA guidance.
Canada-U.S. Relations: Overview & Federal Supports →
Trade Commissioner Service: U.S. Tariff Resources
The Trade Commissioner Service maintains a dedicated tariff resource for Canadian exporters, with current information on U.S. tariffs, Canadian counter-tariffs, CUSMA compliance, tariff and duty tools, remission and tax relief, business-support programs and options for diversifying into new markets.
Resources for Canadian Exporters Facing U.S. Tariffs →
Canada Tariff Finder
Search tariff rates by product or Harmonized System code and compare tariff treatment across different markets. The free tool is a collaboration between the Trade Commissioner Service, BDC and EDC.
Canadian Customs Tariff
The Canada Border Services Agency’s authoritative tariff resource for goods imported into Canada, including tariff classifications and applicable preferential tariff treatments.
Business Benefits Finder
A Government of Canada tool that produces a customized list of government programs and services based on a business’s circumstances, including grants, financing, tax credits, wage subsidies and advisory services.
Workforce & Human Resources
Tariff disruption can affect businesses through reduced production, shorter working hours, layoffs and changing workforce requirements. Federal and provincial measures are available to support affected workers and help employers retain and train employees.
Temporary Employment Insurance Measures
Temporary EI measures make benefits more accessible to affected workers, including waiving the normal one-week waiting period, changing the treatment of separation payments such as severance and vacation pay, and providing additional weeks of regular benefits for qualifying long-tenured workers. The current temporary measures generally apply to qualifying claims beginning on or before October 10, 2026.
Temporary Employment Insurance Measures →
Work-Sharing Program
Work-Sharing can help employers avoid layoffs during a temporary reduction in business activity. Employees agree to reduced working hours and receive Employment Insurance benefits for part of their lost income. Special tariff measures have expanded eligibility and flexibility, including allowing qualifying Work-Sharing agreements to be extended to a maximum of 152 weeks. The tariff special measures are currently in effect through March 31, 2028.
Work-Sharing Program and Tariff Special Measures →
Worker Retention Grant
Employers with an approved and implemented Work-Sharing agreement can apply for funding to provide additional income support to eligible employees who participate in training while working reduced hours. The grant can increase participating workers’ income replacement to about 70% of their normal earnings. Applications are currently open through December 31, 2027.
Worker Retention Grant for Work-Sharing Employers →
Skills Advance Ontario
Skills Advance Ontario provides workforce-development funding for employers and training partners responding to tariffs, trade disruption and changing labour-market needs. Support can include upskilling, reskilling and, in qualifying projects, wage support while employees participate in training. Applications are currently being accepted through an ongoing intake with no set closing date.
Workforce Retention and Retraining Program
The federal government has announced a new Workforce Retention and Retraining Program that will combine the Employment Insurance Work-Sharing Program and Worker Retention Grant into a single program. The new program will introduce additional Work-Sharing flexibility and provide employers with up to $1,000 per participant to support training and administrative costs.
The program is not yet in effect. Existing Work-Sharing agreements and the Worker Retention Grant continue to operate in the meantime.
Exporting & Market Diversification
Trade Commissioner Service: Export Diversification
Canada’s Trade Commissioner Service can help businesses identify and assess new markets, find potential customers and partners, address market-access issues and develop opportunities outside their existing export markets. Its export-diversification resources include practical market-selection guidance, export-readiness tools, trade missions, funding programs and access to Trade Commissioners in more than 160 cities worldwide.
Diversify Your Exports with the Trade Commissioner Service →
CanExport SMEs
CanExport SMEs helps eligible Canadian small and medium-sized businesses develop new international markets by sharing the cost of qualifying international business-development activities. Funding can cover up to 50% of eligible project costs, with businesses able to request between $10,000 and $50,000 per project.
The 2026-27 program placed a greater emphasis on diversification into non-U.S. markets and introduced updated business-size and eligibility requirements. The 2026-27 application intake closed August 31, 2026; businesses interested in future funding should monitor the program page for subsequent application periods.
Global Bid Opportunity Finder
The Global Bid Opportunity Finder is a free tool for Canadian businesses looking for public-sector sales opportunities outside Canada. It consolidates thousands of new procurement opportunities from government and public-sector tender portals around the world and allows businesses to search by sector, location, source and keywords.
Businesses can save searches, create alerts and identify potential contracts across more than 200 jurisdictions without having to monitor individual foreign procurement systems.
Global Bid Opportunity Finder →
Export Development Canada
EDC provides financing, trade credit insurance, foreign-exchange solutions, market intelligence and other tools for Canadian exporters. Its Trade Impact Program provides additional financing and risk-management capacity for businesses affected by tariffs and trade uncertainty.
EDC Trade Impact Program & Tariff Support →
Business Development Bank of Canada
BDC provides financing, advisory services and practical resources for businesses adapting to tariff and economic uncertainty. Support includes tariff-specific financing, working-capital options and advice on productivity, supply-chain resilience and market diversification.
Industry & Sector Resources
Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada maintains a dedicated collection of programs and services for producers, food processors and other agri-food businesses affected by trade disruption. Resources include business risk management programs, financing, cash-flow support and export-market assistance.
Support for Industries Impacted by Trade Disruptions →
Farm Credit Canada
FCC’s Trade Disruption Customer Support Program provides financing flexibility for Canadian farm operations, agribusinesses and food processors managing financial pressure related to tariffs and other international market disruptions. The program is currently available through March 5, 2027.
FCC Trade Disruption Customer Support Program →
Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium
EMC’s Canada-U.S. Trade Relations edition of its Member Needs Help service brings together practical tariff information, industry questions, peer knowledge and manufacturing-specific resources. The trade-relations edition is currently available to Canadian manufacturers beyond EMC’s regular membership.
EMC Canada-U.S. Trade Relations Resources →
Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters
Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters provides manufacturing-sector analysis, business information and advocacy related to tariffs, Canada-U.S. trade, CUSMA, supply chains, investment and manufacturing competitiveness.
About This Resource
The Hamilton Chamber of Commerce maintains this resource to help Hamilton businesses navigate a rapidly changing Canada-U.S. trade environment. We will continue to update trade information, business supports, reference material and local research as new developments occur.
Information on this page is provided for general information purposes only. The Hamilton Chamber of Commerce makes every reasonable effort to ensure that information is accurate and current at the time of publication, but tariff rates, product coverage, government programs, eligibility requirements and trade policies can change quickly. Businesses should confirm information affecting specific transactions or business decisions with the appropriate government agency, customs broker, legal or trade adviser, or other qualified professional.
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