Member Needs Help
Canada / US Trade Relations
Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium (EMC) remains committed to keeping Canadian manufacturers informed about Canada / US trade relations. As part of this effort, we will continue to collaborate with peers, stakeholders, and partners to gather valuable insights, benchmark key developments, and share timely updates.
What's Happening
Member Needs Help is an exclusive service for EMC members, designed to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing within the manufacturing community. For a limited time, the Canada/US Trade Relations Edition is open to all Canadian manufacturers!
This edition addresses pressing questions inspired by industry challenges, providing a platform where you, the experts, can share insights and solutions. EMC is also committed to supporting manufacturers in finding answers to these complex issues.
Below is a list of key industry-driven questions that need your input. If you have additional questions or expertise to share, we encourage you to connect with our team. Submissions will be posted regularly, helping manufacturers navigate this critical time together.
Let’s work collaboratively to tackle challenges, share strategies, and build resilience in the face of evolving trade policies. Submit your questions or insights today!
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CSMS message for the 50% duty on copper items plus 4 derivatives. Only copper cables are listed as derivatives.
The Federal Government announced new funding to support small and medium sized businesses in Southern Ontario that are impacted by tariffs earlier this week. Arielle asked me to share this with you in case there is anyone in your network that could benefit from this funding.
Southern Ontario is home to the core of Canada’s manufacturing sector. From automotive to steel, these industries have been directly impacted by ongoing U.S. tariffs. These are the industries that drive our economy and power good, middle-class jobs.
That is why, yesterday morning, Minister Evan Solomon announced the launch of applications for the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) for Southern Ontario. Through RTRI, FedDev Ontario will deliver $160 million in targeted support to small and medium sized businesses and not-for-profit organizations affected by recent tariffs, with a focus on the steel and automotive sectors.
RTRI is a $450 million national initiative delivered through Canada’s regional development agencies. This program is designed to help businesses across the country improve productivity, diversify markets, and strengthen supply chains in the face of shifting trade pressures.
With this initiative, Canada is moving from reliance to resilience. We’re building our strength at home, opening new markets abroad, and creating real opportunities for Canadian workers and businesses. Together, we are building Canada strong.
Through Executive Orders and Proclamations, the President has imposed new tariffs on goods imported into the United States pursuant to the International
Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. This is a high-level overview. Many exemptions and other detailed provisions may apply that are not summarized here.
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Share your knowledge and help others! If you know the answer, fill out the form below to contribute. Your input will make our Member Needs Help more helpful for everyone.
The purpose of this message is to update guidance on the additional duties due on imports that are the products of Canada, pursuant to Executive Order 14193, “Imposing Duties to Address the Flow of Illicit Drugs Across Our Northern Border” issued on February 1, 2025
Boost Your Rural Business with Up to $10,000 in Funding
The Rural Ontario Development (ROD) Program has launched a new Business Development Funding Stream designed to help small rural businesses thrive.
If your business has 1 to 20 employees and you’re looking to grow, adapt, or prepare for the future—this is your opportunity.
Eligible Projects Can:
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Funding Details:
- 35% cost-shareon eligible project costs
- Up to $10,000in funding
- Deadline to complete projects: March 31, 2026
Apply early—funding is limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis!
The pause is extended to Aug 1st and these are some proposed new tariffs.
On June 17, 2025, a presentation featuring Canada-U.S. trade insider Dan Ujczo, Senior Counsel in Thompson Hine LLP’s International Trade and Transportation law practice groups, provided crucial insights into navigating U.S. trade, contracts, and market entry strategies.
Effective June 28, 2025, for imports of derivative aluminum subject to Section 232 measures, if importers do not know the country of smelt and/or cast then the importers should report “unknown” in lieu of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) code for the unknown smelt and cast country. When reporting “unknown”, importers will be required to report HTS 9903.85.67 or 9903.85.68, as applicable, and will be assessed the 200 percent Section 232 duties on imports of aluminum from Russia. CSMS # 65340246 – GUIDANCE: Section 232 Aluminum Import Instructions for Reporting Unknown for the Country of Smelt and Cast
Get answers to frequently asked questions regarding the tariffs. Check back regularly for more frequently asked questions.
Canadian Manufacturing Supply Chain
By getting involved, you’ll provide key insights that will guide our ongoing effort to provide timely support and resources for a robust Canadian manufacturing supply chain. We appreciate your time and input as we navigate these challenges together.