Canada has imposed a 25 per cent reciprocal tariff on a list of steel products worth $12.6 billion and aluminum products worth $3 billion, as well as additional imported U.S. goods worth $14.2 billion, for a total of $29.8 billion. The list of additional products affected by counter tariffs includes tools, computers and servers, display monitors, sport equipment, and cast-iron products.
The U.S. government has paused the 25% tariff on some imports from Canada until April 2. An executive order to enforce 25% tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum are now in effect as of March 12. An additional announcement was made on March 26 by the U.S. that all vehicle imports into the country will be subject to a 25% tariff as of April 2.
Chatham-Kent Economic Development & Tourism Services collaborates with all levels of government and industry organizations to help businesses navigate these changes and explore strategies for maintaining resilience. If you have questions or need support, please contact us at
ckeds@chatham-kent.ca.
The Western Ontario Wardens Caucus launched a Tariff Business Impact Survey which you can complete to provide support feedback. If you complete this survey, please also email us to provide your business information for direct support.
Please note: Due to ongoing tariff updates, this webpage will be continuously monitored and updated as new information becomes available. For a timeline of events, the Financial Times has created a timeline tracking the trade dispute.
Latest News & Updates
The Government of Canada Introduces New Employment Insurance Measures to Support Canadian Workers Impacted by Foreign Tariffs - March 24, 2025
Canada Responds to Unjustified U.S. Tariffs on Canadian Steel and Aluminum Products - March 12, 2025
List of Products from the United States Subject to 25% Tariffs - March 13, 2025
Canada Announces Retaliatory Tariffs on $29.8 Billion Worth of U.S. Goods - March 12, 2025
The United States have paused the 25% tariff on some imports from Canada until April 2 - March 7, 2025
Canada Tariff Finder
The
Canada Tariff Finder helps businesses check import and export tariffs for specific goods and markets, particularly in countries with which Canada has a Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
This tool provides:
- General tariff rates applicable to all nations
- Preferential rates under FTAs, including phase-out periods
- Side-by-side tariff comparisons for up to three countries or products
The Canada Tariff Finder is a collaborative initiative by BDC, EDC, and the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service of Global Affairs Canada.
Trade Support & Resources
Expanding into new markets can help businesses secure new customers and revenue streams, especially in light of U.S tariff uncertainties. Consider exploring alternative trade opportunities through these resources:
*In relation to requests for remission of the tariffs that apply beginning on March 4, 2025, the Government will consider requests for remission in the following instances:
To address situations where goods used as inputs cannot be sourced domestically, either on a national or regional basis, or reasonably from non-U.S. sources.
To address, on a case-by-case basis, other exceptional circumstances that could have severe adverse impacts on the Canadian economy.
Live Info Sessions
The following live sessions can be accessed or registered for below:
March 27, 12:00pm - 1:00pm — Navigating the Impact of U.S. Global Tariffs: Strategies for SMEs | Ontario Business and Trade Leadership Coalition
March 27, 1:00pm - 2:00pm — Navigating Tariffs and Customs Regulations | Export Development Canada (EDC)
*April 7, 9:30am - 4:00pm — Tourism Opportunities Forum | Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO)
April 14, 11:00am - 2:00pm — Economic Outlook: Adapting to Uncertainty | Windsor-Essex Economic Trade Task Force with BDC
*TIAO will be hosting a one-day, high impact event designed for tourism businesses, municipalities, provincial policy leaders, and destination partners to collaboratively seize current tourism growth opportunities. The forum focuses on growth and productivity, with tactical sessions that help participants turn insight into action. Participants can expect a full day of collaboration, discussion, and practical tools to take back to their organizations as the event provides guidance on the following:
- The Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) — implementation, best practices, and strategies for growth.
- Market trends, tariff impacts, and visitor insights to help shape your plans for 2025/2026.
- Ontario's new Tourism Strategy
- Real-world solutions to common industry challenges through peer-led workshops and roundtables
Ontario's Advanced Manufacturing Ecosystem
The
TrilliumGIS database, maintained by the Trillium Network, provides comprehensive data on Ontario's manufacturing sector, including:
- Manufacturing Establishments
- Supply chain connections
- Business-to-business opportunities
- Innovation partnerships
Support Local Directories
How to Showcase your Local Business
- Register now for your Ontario made business through Support Ontario Made
- If you manufacture, make, or produce a local product in Chatham-Kent, please contact ckeds@chatham-kent.ca to get in touch with one of our Economic Development staff to discuss the potential of a Made in CK business spotlight.
- Showcasing your Made in CK business can raise awareness by highlighting what you do and sharing unique "Did You Know" facts. It's also a great way to illustrate your business' local or global impact, foster supply chain connections, and demonstrate your advancements in technology. Plus, it gives you the opportunity to showcase your workforce and the evolving opportunities that support Chatham-Kent's economy.
- Use social media to position your business as local or Canadian made. By using hashtags like #MadeinCK or #MadeinCanada, the public will be able to identify your product. Tagging the Economic Development (@investck), Tourism Services (@visitchathamkent), or the Small Business Centre (@ckbizcentre) social media channels can also increase awareness of your product during these times.
Funding & Financial Assistance
- Canada's Employment Insurance (EI)'s Work-Sharing Program - The Work-Sharing is an adjustment program designed to help employers and employees avoid layoffs when there is a temporary reduction in the normal level of business activity that is beyond the control of the employer. It provides income support to employees eligible for Employment Insurance benefits who work a temporarily reduced work while their employer recovers.
- EDC Trade Impact Program - Export Development Canada (EDC) will offer $5 billion in new facilities over 2 years to help exporters reach new markets for Canadian products and help companies navigate the challenges imposed by tariffs, including losses from non-payment, currency fluctuations, lack of access to cash flows, and barriers to expansion.
- Funding that Helps Your Company Grow in Global Markets - CanExport SMEs program is accepting applications
- Ontario Government Funding Opportunities - Financial support for businesses.
- Pivot to Grow Loan - Business Development Canada (BDC) will offer $500 million in new lending. BDC's Pivot to Grow program will provide financing, advice and loan deferrals to small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) financially impacted by the chill effects of potential or imposed U.S. tariffs.
- Trade Disruption Customer Support Program - Farm Credit Canada (FCC) will offer $1 billion in new lending. This program features access to an additional credit line of up to $500,000 along with new term loans. FCC customers will have the option to defer principal payments for up to 12 months on current loans.
Sector-Specific Support & Updates
