Tariff Support

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.

​​​​​​​​​​As a first step to support workers and businesses, the province is deferring select provincially administered taxes for six months—from April 1 to October 1, 2025—providing approximately $9 billion in cash flow to help businesses keep workers employed and navigate ongoing economic challenges. In addition, through the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB), the province is issuing a further $2 billion rebate for safe employers to support business operations and job retention, building on the $2 billion rebate already distributed in March.​ ​​View the list of other funding opportunities from the provincial government.

• • • 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.
    • CanExport SME Program – Funding that helps your company grow in global markets
    • 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.
    • Enhanced Ontario Made Manufacturing Investment Tax Credit (OMMITC)​​ ​– The Government of Ontario hasincreased the tax credit from 10% to 15% for eligible corporations on qualifying investments in buildings, machinery, and equipment used in manufacturing or processing— up to $3 million per year.​
    • Feddev’s Regional Defence Investment Initiative​ – Eligible businesses can now apply to the Regional Defence Investment Initiative to scale up, improve productivity, and access supply chain opportunities. The centerpiece is the Regional Defence Investment Initiative, a $200 million program for southern Ontario SMEs looking to integrate into defense supply chains. This initiative is designed to help manufacturers position themselves for long-term growth in the defense sector.​
    • Ontario Together Trade Fun​d​ (OTTF) – provides financial support to help businesses near-term investments so they can serve more interprovincial customers, develop new markets, and re-shore critical supply chains in the face of U.S. tariffs. 
    • 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. 
    • Protect Ontario Financing Program (POFP)​ – This program is designed to provide critical support for businesses that are facing significant tariff-related disruptions as a result of Section 232 tariffs on steel, aluminum, and autos. This fund will provide immediate relief for Ontario businesses that are facing s.232 tariff-related working capital challenges, such as; payroll, lease payments, and utility payments. 
    • Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI)​ – On May 4, 2026, the Government of Canada announced additional funding under the RTRI​. There is now $1.5-billion available to help businesses overcome trade disruptions. This includes support for businesses across all sectors, including in the steel, automotive and food security industries. It invests in targeted, time-sensitive activities that boost productivity, lower costs, strengthen supply chain resilience, and open doors to new markets, enhancing overall competitiveness. For program details and how to apply click here.
    • Rural Ontario Development Fund (ROD)​ – The Ontario government is now accepting applications for the ROD program to help support economic growth, protect jobs, and improve infrastructure in small communities. Small brick and mortar businesses in rural Ontario with 1 to 20 employees can apply through the business development stream. This stream offers up to 35% cost-share, to a maximum of $10,000. Application intake period: August 17, 2026 – October 1, 2026. Application Deadline: October 1, 2026, at 5 p.m. ET.​
    • Southwestern Ontario Development Fund (SWODF)​ – Grants or loans are available for up to 15% of eligible expenses with a max of $500,000 grant (or $5M, if a loan).
    • Southern Ontario Fund for Investment in Innovation (SOFII) ​- supports high-growth, innovative small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in rural and urban communities by offering loans of $150,000 to $500,000 to support all aspects of growth challenges. Funded in part by FedDev Ontario, SOFII empowers innovation in sourthern Ontario.
    • Strategic Response Fun​d (SRF)​ – The Government of Canada is launching the Strategic Response Fund (SRF) to strengthen Canada’s economic resilience amid global challenges like trade disruptions, supply chain instability, and rising international competition. The SRF aims to:
      • ​Support industrial transformation and build long-term capabilities.
      • Diversify trade beyond the U.S.
      • Boost domestic production, value-added products, productivity, and supply chain strength.

        It will focus on strategic sectors vulnerable to U.S. tariffs and global trade risks—such as automotives, steel, and aluminum—while remaining flexible to support other high-value sectors needing urgent federal intervention.

  • • 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. ​
    • Steel and Aluminium Industries Support Program​ – The federal government has introduced a new $1 billion tariff-response financing program through the Business Development Bank of Canada to support manufacturers and exporters affected by U.S. tariffs on steel, aluminum, and copper. Aimed at businesses facing cash-flow pressures, the program offers low-interest loans ranging from $2 million to $50 million, with flexible repayment terms of up to three years, to help viable firms maintain operations and adjust to changing trade conditions. For program details and a BDC program overview click here​.

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

• Wood Manufacturing Tariff Updates: Adjusting Imports of Timber, Lumber, and derivative Products into the United States​ | The White House
  • Cabinetry & Vanities: 25% tariff effective October 14, rising to 50% Jan 1, 2026
  • Furniture: 25% tariff effective Oct 14, rising to 30% Jan 1, 2026
  • Softwood Lumber: 10% tariff on timber, ties, and dimensional lumber
• ​​​Manufacturing: Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium (EMC) – Trade relations support for members
• Automotive: APMA – Impact of U.S. tariffs on Canada’s auto parts
• Building: Ontario Stone, Sand, and Gravel Association – Supporting Ontario’s Efforts​​

• Ontario Made Directory – Local Products You’ll Love
• Made in Canada Directory
• Local Food Directory​ – Grocery Business​

​​​​​​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:

• ​Canada-U.S. Trade Tracker: Business Data Lab – Examining our economic integration and the risks of tariffs.
  Government of Canada Tariff Remission Process – To seek an exception to the counter tariffs on goods coming into Canada from the U.S.*
• ​Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) – Supporting Canadian exporters through U.S tariff challenges.
• Diversifying Your Exports – How Canadian businesses can succeed in global markets.
• Trade Resilience Program​ – Canadian businesses that meet criteria will gain access to BDC’s Trade Resilience Program at a 75% discount.
  • Trade Resilience Program Brochure​
  • Weather The Storm: How to Prepare Your Business for Tariffs at the Canada – U.S. Border
• Export Development Canada (EDC)​ – Solutions to navigate the evolving global trade landscape.
• Tariffs & Trade Resources – Economic Developers Council of Ontario – Supporting Ontario’s communities in a changing trade landscape.
• Canadian SME Playbook for Navigating US-Canada Tariffs​ – Toronto Region Board of Trade.
• ROSA – Rules of Origin Self-Assessment Tool ​