For the vast majority of goods (over 98% of tariff lines and over 99.9% of bilateral trade between Canada and the U.S.), traders can claim preference under the CUSMA if they meet the Agreement’s rules of origin. To qualify for preferential treatment when imported into the U.S., a good must meet the CUSMA rules of origin, which determine how much production must be undertaken in North America for goods to be considered originating under the Agreement.
Tariff Response
While Canada and the United States' trade relationship experiences a period of transformation, Durham Region's business support community is acting quickly to deepen our local economic strength. The Durham Economic Task Force (DETF) is working closely with our federal, provincial, and local partners to support your business.
Please check back for updates as this page is in ongoing development.
Current Tariff Status:
"Ontario is crucial to Canada’s industrial economy. The province has world-class automotive and steel industries and vast deposits of critical minerals. It has the workers, expertise, and resources to drive Canada’s economic transformation. By working together, the federal and provincial governments are protecting good jobs, attracting investment, and ensuring Ontario’s industries remain competitive.
To that end, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, and the Premier of Ontario, Doug Ford, today announced investments of $8.7 billion and new measures to strengthen strategic industries, support workers and businesses impacted by U.S. tariffs, and drive long-term economic growth."
Read the complete list of U.S. products subject to counter tariffs (Effective September 8, 2026)
Supports and Funding
BDC: Pivot to Grow Program
Explore eligibility to help counter the effects of tariffs on Canadian exports to the U.S. by preserving cash flow, diversifying markets or buying equipment.
Business Funding and Support Finder
Invest Durham has partnered with Fundica to provide businesses with an easy way to find government funding in Canada.
Canada Strong: Government support programs for workers and businesses
Easily access programs, resources for employers, workers, and businesses affected by tariffs.
Canada Tariff Finder
The Canada Tariff Finder enables Canadian businesses to check import or export tariffs for specific goods and markets, with a focus on countries with which Canada has a Free Trade Agreement.
Canadian Trade Commissioner Service: Support for Canadian exporters faced with U.S. tariffs
Information, tools, and support to help your business navigate the tariffs imposed on Canada by the United States (U.S.). Guidance on how to export duty-free to the U.S. under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).
FedDev: Regional Tariff Response Initiative
The Government of Canada is helping Canadian businesses respond to global trade pressures through the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) as part of Canada's tariff response plan.
Large Enterprise Tariff Loan (LETL) Facility
The LETL facility is a program instituted by the Government of Canada to provide liquidity assistance in the form of interest-bearing term loans to large Canadian enterprises who have been (or expect to be) affected by new tariffs and countermeasures.
Ontario Made Manufacturing Investment Tax Credit
Corporations may qualify to receive corporate income tax support for investments in buildings, machinery and equipment used for manufacturing or processing.
Ontario Together Trade Fund
*Expanded eligibility announced on September 29, 2026.
Eligible Ontario companies impacted by trade disruptions can now get support to enhance resilience, strengthen capacity, build local supply chains in Ontario, and expand market reach.
Protect Ontario Financing Program
*Expanded eligibility announced on September 29, 2026.
Learn how eligible Ontario companies impacted by tariffs can get financial support to help cover everyday expenses (working capital).
Strategic Response Fund (SRF)
The Strategic Response Fund (SRF) helps Canadian industries innovate, adapt and compete in a changing global economy.
Tariff relief for Canadian importers importing goods from the U.S.
Find tariff relief that is available in specific circumstances for businesses importing goods from the United States.
Trade-Impacted Communities Program
The Trade-Impacted Communities Program (TICP) will help communities and local industries in Ontario navigate significant economic challenges caused by U.S. trade disruption.
Federal Tariff Support Contacts
Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario)
1-866-593-5505
info@feddevontario.gc.ca
Find Canadian Suppliers and Products
Directories of Canadian Companies
Explore Canadian supply chain options through Canada’s business directories.
Ontario Made
Showcase and source Ontario-made products to help strengthen local businesses affected by U.S. tariffs. Apply for the Ontario Made Product Series for free.
Made in CA
Made in CA is a valuable resource showcasing Canadian-made products and businesses.
Trillium Network for Advanced Manufacturing
Get access to information for more than 12,000 manufacturing establishments and 250 ecosystem partners in Ontario.
Stay Connected Locally
Durham Region's business community is made up of energetic innovators, entrepreneurs, and businesses that propel our economy. When possible, choose locally made, grown, or produced products and services and invest in our region.
Business Advisory Centre Durham
Get business advice and attend free workshops offered by the Business Advisory Centre Durham.
Durham Tourism
Discover local restaurants, shops, and more local businesses to support.
Durham Workforce Authority
Access Durham Region labour market research, training opportunities and more workforce resources.
Local Food Directory
Find local food, beverages, and farm markets in our Local Food Directory.
Invest Durham Monthly E-newsletter
Sign up for the Invest Durham e-newsletter and stay informed with local business news and events.
On-Demand Webinars
Canada Strong: Tariff Support for Businesses (October 2026)
Links and Resources
Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA)
Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses (CFIB)
Review information including overviews of U.S. tariffs, de minimus treatment, CFIB's advocacy efforts, and other details.
The EI Work-Sharing Program provides EI benefits to employees who agree with their employer to work reduced hours due to a decrease in business activity beyond their employer’s control. Temporary flexibilities have been introduced to this program. Learn more.
Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium (EMC)
The Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium "Member Needs Help" program is an exclusive service for its 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. Here you can review questions and pose new ones to a community of peers and experts. Additionally, if you would like to stay informed with regular email communications on this topic, you can sign up by completing this form.
Export Development Canada (EDC)
Export Development Canada can support businesses to navigate uncertainty. EDC offers trade support to Canadian companies. Explore how EDC can help. Resources include:
- Key markets for trade diversification
- Preparing for tariffs
- Webinars
The Department of Finance Canada has announced a Trade Impact Program through EDC, which will deploy $5 billion over two years, starting this year, to help exporters reach new markets for Canadian products. Read more.
The Department of Finance Canada has announced $1 billion in new financing through Farm Credit Canada to reduce financial barriers for the Canadian agriculture and food industry. This lending offer will help address cash flow challenges so that businesses can adjust to a new operating environment and continue to supply the high-quality agricultural and food products that Canadians rely on. Read more about this program and eligibility.
Government of Canada Trade Commissioner Service
For businesses seeking new markets, the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service provides support in over 160 locations worldwide. With 15 ratified Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) covering 49 countries, Canadian businesses can access 1.5 billion consumers.
Business diversification is critical to business success. The Trade Commissioner Service offers tools to help you determine export readiness, including step-by-step exportation guides. Explore your pathways to global expansion.
The Canadian Trade Commissioner Service will help exporters navigate the tariffs by:
- understanding how your business is affected
- identifying potential new markets
- connecting you with the right contacts to help problem solve
- helping you find potential partners and opportunities in new markets.
Learn about the process to request remission of tariffs that apply to certain goods from the U.S. Information from The Canadian Trade Commissioner Service.
Review the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service website for more resources.
- Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium (EMC)
- Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters (CME)
- Food and Beverage Ontario
- Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA)
- Canadian Federation of Independent Business
- Automotive Industries Association of Canada
- Automotive Parts Manufacturers' Association
- Restaurants Canada
- Ontario Restaurant Hotel & Motel Association (ORHMA)
- Tourism Industry Association of Ontario
Ministry of Economic Development Job Creation and Trade (MEDJCT)
The Ministry of Economic Development Job Creation and Trade (MEDJCT) offers programs and resources to help businesses scale locally and globally. Access funding, expert advice, and market expansion opportunities to Grow Your Business.
Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC)
The OCC has created a 10-step resource to mitigate its effects and stay competitive. Review the guide.
Local Economic Development Support Contact List
- Town of Ajax Economic Development Services: priority@ajax.ca
- Municipality of Clarington Economic Development Services: EcDev@clarington.net
- City of Oshawa Economic Development Services: business@oshawa.ca
- City of Pickering Economic Development Services: business@pickering.ca
- Town of Whitby: invest@whitby.ca
- Townships of Brock, Scugog, Uxbridge and Region of Durham Economic Development Services: InvestDurham@durham.ca
- Business Advisory Centre Durham: bacd@durham.ca
