Tariff Resources and Updates

The Canada and U.S. flags fly side by side.

The City of St. Catharines is working together with regional partners to monitor the current situation on the imposition of American tariffs on Canadian goods. Follow this page for the latest updates as the situation develops, to learn more about tariffs, how they may impact you, and resources and how to can navigate the challenges ahead.

Updates
Resources
More Information

St. Catharines businesses

The City of St. Catharines is here to help and has a team of experts ready to help you with your questions about tariffs.

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Stay up-to-date with the latest updates at investinstc.ca.

Updates

April 9, 2025

U.S. President Trump pauses tariffs for most nations, unclear if it affects Canada
United States president brings trade war to the world: A 10 per cent baseline tariff on imports to the U.S. from most countries, and higher duties on dozens of nations, came into force just after midnight.

April 8, 2025

Canada’s counter-tariffs on U.S.-made vehicles kick in April 9
- U.S. President Trump announced two weeks ago he would be imposing a 25 per cent tariff on all vehicles made outside the U.S. starting April 2, with all foreign-made cars and light trucks impacted, in addition to tariffs already placed on those goods.
- Canada's new counter-tariffs include:
  - Twenty-five per cent tariffs on non- Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) compliant fully assembled vehicles imported into Canada from the United States.
  - Twenty-five per cent tariffs on non-Canadian and non-Mexican content of CUSMA compliant fully assembled vehicles imported into Canada from the United States.

April 7, 2025

Ontario Taking Action to Protect Workers Amid Economic Uncertainty
- Ontario is providing approximately $11 billion in relief and support for workers and businesses as it protects the province’s economy from economic uncertainty and the impact of U.S. tariffs
- As a first step to support workers and businesses, the province is:
  - Deferring select provincially administered taxes for six months from April 1, 2025, to October 1, 2025, giving businesses and job creators approximately $9 billion worth of cash flow they need to keep workers employed and weather the economic turmoil.
  - Through the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB), issuing a further $2 billion rebate for safe employers to support businesses and help keep workers on the job, in addition to the previous $2 billion rebate distributed in March.

Read the News Release

April

April 4, 2025

April 3, 2025

April 2, 2025

U.S. President Donald Trump slaps retaliatory tariffs on dozens of countries but Canada is spared the worst this time
- The White House said Canada will not be subjected to that additional baseline tariff rate because the previously announced border-related tariffs will continue to apply instead.
- President Trump imposed a 25 per cent tariff on Canadian goods, including steel and aluminum, and a 10 per cent on energy in March but made some exceptions for goods that are compliant with the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement.
- President Trump is also going ahead with a 25 per cent tariff on Canadian-made automobiles, excluding an U.S.-made content.

March

March 28, 2025

Prime Minister Mark Carney calls first official call with President Donald Trump 'cordial' and 'positive,' but tariffs still expected next week

March 27, 2025

March 26, 2025

Trump imposes 25 per cent tariffs on autos

March 24, 2025

Prime Minister calls a snap election. Canadians go to the polls April 28.

March 17, 2025

St. Catharines City Council discussed the St. Catharines Tariff Mitigation Plan and approved a temporary ‘Canada-First’ procurement policy as a measure in response to the ongoing tariff situation. The procurement policy intends to prioritize Canadian-made goods and services, supporting the long-term sustainability of local industries. This policy is designed to align with Canadian trade obligations while also fostering economic resilience within the city.
Other mitigation actions include:
- Engaging with local businesses to help them navigate the effects of tariffs
- Engaging in active advocacy on behalf of local businesses and residents to secure the support needed to mitigate the adverse impacts
- Continuing collaboration with industry associations, provincial, and federal agencies to address the broader impacts of tariffs
- Continuing efforts to attract investment, diversify the economy, and promote long-term business growth.

March 14, 2025

Mark Carney sworn in as Canada's prime minister.

March 13, 2025

Ontario Premier Doug Ford and other Government of Canada representatives meet with U.S. officials at the White House to discuss tariffs and trade.

March 12, 2025

March 11, 2025

MARCH 10, 2025

Ontario Applies 25 Per Cent Surcharge on Electricity Exports to United States

March 6, 2025

March 5, 2025

March 4, 2025

Ontario responds to tariffs
- Alcohol from the United States has been wiped from the shelves of the LCBO, a contract between Ontario and Elon Musk‘s Starlink internet provider has been ripped up and American companies will be banned from bidding on public contracts as the Ford government slaps back against tariffs.
Statement from Regional Chair and Niagara Mayors on imposition of American tariffs on Canadian goods
Statement by the Prime Minister on unjustified U.S. tariffs against Canada
Canada announces robust tariff package in response to unjustified U.S. tariffs
United States proceeds with imposing tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico

February

February 11, 2025

February 3, 2025

United States pauses tariffs on Canadian goods for one month

Resources

Government Support Programs

At all levels, government agencies are available to support businesses engaged in exporting. Various initiatives, including trade missions, market intelligence, contacts, and funding, help businesses diversify their trade and grow in new markets. Key partners include:

Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) Benefits

The Niagara Region has been designated a Foreign Trade Zone point for over a decade, offering Niagara businesses access to programs that save working capital and time. Exporting businesses can benefit from:

Duties Relief Program
Drawback Program
Custom Bonded Warehouse Program
Export Distribution Centre Program
Exporters of Processing Services Program

Learn More

Trade Accelerator Program

Export Development Canada (EDC) and the World Trade Centre of Toronto are partnering to bring you the Trade Accelerator Program (TAP), a comprehensive learning platform where you will learn how to expand your business' global reach and enjoy direct mentorship and highly personalized coaching from industry experts.

Learn More

Trade Diversification

In 2023, the US market accounted for $6 billion (72 per cent) of total exports from Niagara businesses and $2 billion (54 per cent) of total imports to Niagara businesses. Diversifying markets is a key strategy to mitigate trade disruptions. Niagara businesses can leverage Canada’s 14 trade agreements with 51 countries, including agreements with major trading partners such as:

Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP): A free trade agreement with 10 Indo-Pacific countries.
Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA): Provides Canadian businesses access to growth opportunities in the European Union.
Global Affairs Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy aims to expand trade and investment in the fastest-growing region, which represents over 4 billion people and $47.2 trillion in economic activity.

More Information

Bank of Canada

What are tariffs and how do they work?
Read the Report

Government of Canada

Government of Canada announces next steps in its response plan to unjustified U.S. tariffs
Read the Announcement
List of products from the United States subject to 25 per cent tariffs effective February 4, 2025
Read the List

United States Government Executive Order

Imposing Duties to Address the Flow of Illicit Drugs Across our Northern Border
Read the Executive Order