Updates and Business Resources
Currently, Canadians are watching with great interest and concern the contentious trade negotiations with the United States. With the most recent trade agreement being rejected, activity is shifting to an escalation and at present, proposes a dollar-to-dollar tariff position on targeted goods. As the situation is evolving day to day, it is important for businesses to have official, up to date information and government positions on ongoing negotiations.
Canada and the United States share one of the world’s most integrated trading relationships, with businesses on both sides of the border connected through complex supply chains, investment, and long-standing commercial partnerships.
As discussions between Canada and the United States continue, including matters related to existing sectoral tariffs and the broader Canada–U.S. trade relationship, Invest in Middlesex is committed to helping local businesses access timely information, understand available government programs, and identify resources that may support business continuity, competitiveness, and market diversification.
For the latest Federal Government Response and Statements:
https://international.canada.ca/en/global-affairs/campaigns/canada-us-engagement#a5
For the latest Ontario Government Response and Statements:
Current Canada–U.S. Trade Environment
The Canada–U.S. trade environment continues to evolve. The Government of Canada remains engaged in discussions with the United States regarding bilateral trade issues while also advancing work related to the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).
Recent federal updates indicate that discussions continue to address existing sectoral tariffs and other measures affecting the bilateral economic relationship.
At the same time, CUSMA continues to provide an important framework for North American trade and integrated supply chains. Businesses engaged in cross-border trade are encouraged to monitor official government sources regularly, as tariff measures, exemptions, remission programs, and customs requirements may change.
Latest Canada–U.S. Trade Negotiation Updates
Tariff Information for Businesses
Businesses importing or exporting goods should confirm whether tariffs or other trade measures apply to their specific products.
The Government of Canada maintains information on Canada's current tariff measures, including measures affecting steel, aluminum, automobiles, and other products, as well as information about available relief.
Certain Canadian businesses importing goods from the United States may qualify for tariff relief or remission. Existing federal measures include relief for specified products and manufacturing inputs, while businesses experiencing exceptional circumstances may also be able to submit individual remission requests. Eligibility depends on the product and circumstances.
Government of Canada – Canada's Tariff Responses
Tariff Relief for Canadian Importers
Tariff Remission Request Process
Business Support and Resources
Businesses affected by tariffs or trade uncertainty may have access to federal and provincial programs designed to support financing, workforce development, productivity, market diversification, and longer-term competitiveness.
Ontario has introduced measures intended to assist businesses, workers, and communities affected by tariffs and global trade uncertainty. The Province's 2026 Budget identifies initiatives including the Protect Ontario Financing Program, Trade-Impacted Communities Program, and workforce and business supports.
Ontario and the Government of Canada are also supporting workforce training and employment services for tariff-affected sectors through the Canada–Ontario Workforce Tariff Response.
Key Resources
Government of Canada – Tariff Information & Business Support
Current tariff measures, tariff relief programs, remission information, and support for affected businesses and workers.
Explore Canada's Tariff Response and Supports
Government of Canada – Tariff Relief
Information for Canadian businesses importing goods from the United States, including available exemptions, remission programs, and other forms of tariff relief.
Ontario – Business and Workforce Supports
Information on Ontario initiatives responding to tariffs and economic uncertainty, including financing, workforce, and community supports.
Ontario's 2026 Tariff and Business Support Measures
Canada–Ontario Workforce Tariff Response
Training and employment supports designed to assist workers and employers affected by tariffs and global trade disruptions.
Explore Workforce Tariff Supports
CUSMA – Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement
Official information regarding CUSMA, implementation, committees, and ongoing developments.
Steps Businesses Can Consider
Businesses involved in cross-border trade may wish to:
- Review tariff exposure by product classification and country of origin.
- Confirm whether products continue to qualify for preferential treatment under CUSMA.
- Speak with a customs broker, trade professional, or legal advisor regarding product-specific requirements.
- Review available tariff exemptions, drawback programs, and remission opportunities.
- Assess supply-chain exposure and alternative sourcing opportunities.
- Explore opportunities to diversify customers and export markets.
- Review available federal and provincial financing, workforce, productivity, and business-support programs.
- Maintain documentation related to tariff-related costs and business impacts, which may be required when applying for certain government programs or tariff relief.
Important Information
Trade policies and tariff measures can change quickly. Information on this page is provided for general informational purposes and should not be considered legal, customs, financial, or tax advice.
Businesses should confirm current requirements, tariff classifications, eligibility, and applicable measures directly with the Government of Canada, Government of Ontario, Canada Border Services Agency, or a qualified trade or customs professional before making business decisions.
Invest in Middlesex will continue to monitor developments and update this page as new information and business resources become available.
Our Economic Development team is available to meet confidentially, one-on-one with businesses that are experiencing or anticipating impacts. These conversations allow us to better understand the challenges facing individual businesses, help identify relevant programs and resources, connect businesses with government and industry partners, and explore opportunities to respond and adapt.
If your business is being affected by the changing trade environment, or you have questions about the resources available, we encourage you to contact our office any time at @email