Tariff and Trade Resources

The GNCC is committed to helping businesses navigate the complexities of tariffs and international trade in an evolving economic landscape. This page serves as a central hub for essential resources, insights, and updates to support your business in managing trade challenges and opportunities.

Stay informed and take proactive steps to navigate tariff challenges.

• U.S. Tariffs: What’s Next? – Five key strategies for small and medium-sized businesses.
• Navigating U.S. Tariffs: Ten Tips for Ontario SMEs (Ontario Chamber of Commerce) – Practical steps to maintain competitiveness.
• Managing Uncertainty: A Risk Guide for Canadian Business (KPMG) – Risk management strategies for uncertain trade environments.
• Canadian Trade Commissioner Service – Access information and resources on U.S. tariffs through the Canadian Trade Commissioner.
• Canadian Customs Tariff Classifications – Find tariff codes for imported and exported goods.
• CUSMA Compliance – Get information on claiming CUSMA compliance for exemptions to U.S. tariffs.
• Tariff Finder – Find tariff rates for imports to Canada and exports to other countries.
• U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule – Search for tariff rates on goods exported to the United States.

Find key information on tariffs, trade regulations, and market expansion.

• Business Benefits Finder – Discover government funding, tax credits, and trade support.
• Remission of Canadian tariffs – Request a remission on goods imported for your business after March 4, 2025.
• International Trade and Investment – Insights on global trade opportunities.
• List of U.S. Products Subject to Tariffs – Identify tariff-affected goods.
• Support for Importers and Exporters – Trade and tariff resources for Canadian businesses.
• Tariff Information by Product and Country – Find tariff rates for specific goods and markets.
• Niagara Region Economic Development – Local trade and investment resources.
• Niagara Foreign Trade Zone – Tax and tariff benefits for businesses in Niagara.
• Identify and Apply Rules of Origin – Learn about U.S. rules of origin and resources for qualifying a shipment for preferential tariff treatment.

Access funding and expert guidance for international trade.

• Regional Tariff Response Initiative – Access funding to help tariff-affected businesses invest, adapt, diversify markets, strengthen supply chains and manage liquidity pressures, up to $3 million non-repayable, including up to $2 million for demonstrated liquidity needs, alongside repayable contributions for adaptation/growth projects.
• Ontario Together Trade Fund – Access grants or loans to help Ontario businesses affected by U.S. tariffs diversify markets, strengthen domestic supply chains, increase production and invest in competitiveness.
• Protect Ontario Financing Program – Access working-capital loans for Ontario businesses affected by U.S. tariffs, including support for expenses such as payroll, leases and utilities.
• Strategic Response Fund – Access funding for large-scale projects that help tariff-affected Canadian businesses adapt, strengthen supply chains, improve productivity and competitiveness, and diversify into new markets.
• Work-Sharing Program: Tariff Special Measures – Help retain employees and avoid layoffs during tariff-related business slowdowns by temporarily reducing working hours while eligible employees receive Employment Insurance income support.
• Worker Retention Grant – Employers participating in an approved Work-Sharing agreement can access funding to provide additional income support to employees who are working reduced hours while undertaking training.
• Large Enterprise Tariff Loan Facility – Access financing for large Canadian businesses affected by tariffs and countermeasures that are experiencing significant liquidity pressures and have exhausted conventional sources of financing.
• Duty Drawback Program – Apply for a refund of duties paid on imported commercial goods that are later exported or used to produce goods for export.
• Duties Relief Program – Import eligible commercial goods without paying duties when the goods will subsequently be exported or used to produce goods for export.
• Export Support for Agri-Food Businesses – Access export services for Canadian agriculture and agri-food businesses, including international trade shows, in-market expertise, market-development resources and the Canada Brand program.
• CanExport SMEs – Access funding to help Canadian small and medium-sized businesses develop new international markets and diversify exports. The program can cover up to 50% of eligible international business development costs, to a maximum contribution of $50,000. The 2026–27 application intake is currently closed; future intake periods will be posted by the Trade Commissioner Service.
• Temporary Employment Insurance Measures for Tariff-Affected Workers – Temporary measures are available to improve access to Employment Insurance for workers affected by tariffs, including continuation of the waiver of the one-week EI waiting period and other temporary flexibilities. Additional employment, training and job-search supports are also available through the federal government’s Rapid Response Supports for Workers and Employers.
• CanExport GAC-Led Delegations – Access funding to participate in select trade missions and delegations led by Global Affairs Canada’s Trade Commissioner Service. Eligible small and medium-sized businesses can receive support for up to 50% of eligible participation costs, including travel and trade show expenses. Applications are available for selected eligible missions and delegations.
• FedDev Southern Ontario – Funding for innovation, growth, and export development.
• Steel and Aluminium Industries Support Program – Targeted funding for tariff-affected industries from BDC.
• Pivot to Grow Loan – Access financing from BDC to manage tariff-related cash flow pressures and invest in equipment, productivity, supply-chain adaptation and market diversification.
• Funding and Support for International Business – Programs to help businesses expand globally.
• Canadian Trade Commissioner Service – Expert advice on export markets and trade opportunities.
• Southwestern Ontario Development Fund – Financial support for business expansion.
• Niagara College Research and Innovation – Support for SMEs in Niagara.
• Trade Impact Program – Access capital and trade credit insurance for international trade.
• Farm Credit Canada – Access financing for the agri-food sector.

Keep up with the latest updates on trade policies and tariff impacts.

• The Daily Update (GNCC) – Timely business news and analysis.
• Canadian Chamber of Commerce News – National trade and policy updates.
• Ontario Chamber of Commerce News – Provincial insights and economic trends.
• Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters Trade and Tariff Hub – Industry-specific trade resources and updates.