Counter Tariff Update

As I said yesterday, this past week brought another significant escalation in the trade relationship between Canada and the United States. New U.S. tariffs of up to 50 per cent have taken effect on a wide range of Canadian goods, and Canada has announced dollar-for-dollar counter-tariffs on affected U.S. imports, effective September 8, 2026.

For many businesses, these measures create immediate uncertainty around costs, cash flow, supply chains, staffing and future investment. If you are concerned about what this may mean for your business, you are not alone.

The recently announced federal relief measures recognize the serious pressure being placed on businesses, workers and communities. Expanded support through regional development agencies, new BDC financing, workforce retention measures and additional assistance for both large employers and small and medium-sized businesses are welcome.

To help businesses understand the potential impact of the new counter-tariffs, the Whitby Chamber of Commerce has created the attached Canadian Counter-Tariffs: A Guide for Businesses.

The guide provides:

• An overview of the new counter-tariffs taking effect September 8
• A plain-language summary of affected product groups
• A detailed reference list of 874 Canadian tariff items
• Information to help importers, distributors, resellers and purchasers identify possible areas of exposure

The guide is intended as a convenient reference only. Product classification and surtax treatment can depend on origin, composition, use, processing and other factors. Businesses should not rely on the guide for customs declarations, compliance, sourcing commitments or other business decisions. Please confirm your specific circumstances with a qualified customs broker, trade adviser, legal professional or the Canada Border Services Agency.

Resources for businesses

Government of Canada – All tariff supports in one place
Financing, duty relief, importer and exporter information, worker supports and market-diversification resources.
Federal tariff supports for businesses

BDC – Pivot to Grow and Tariff Support Programs
Financing of up to $5 million for businesses affected by tariffs or trade uncertainty, including businesses that can demonstrate a significant adverse impact even if they are not exporters.
BDC Pivot to Grow | BDC tariff support programs

BDC – Steel and Aluminum Industries Support Program
Financing ranging from $1 million to $50 million for materially affected businesses in the steel, aluminum or copper value chain.
Steel and aluminum industry support

Export Development Canada – Trade Impact Program
Working-capital support, credit insurance, financing, foreign-exchange support and assistance with market diversification for Canadian exporters and companies supplying exporters.
EDC Trade Impact Program

FedDev Ontario – Regional Tariff Response Initiative
Support for businesses in Southern Ontario, including liquidity and other assistance for small and medium-sized businesses affected by tariffs.
FedDev Ontario tariff supports

The Whitby Chamber of Commerce is not sitting on the sidelines. We will continue to:

• Keep our members informed as measures and support programs change
• Advocate directly with municipal, provincial and federal representatives
• Amplify the experiences of Whitby businesses through the Ontario and Canadian Chamber networks
• Connect businesses with practical expertise and available resources
• Champion long-term solutions, including market diversification, internal trade, workforce development, investment, productivity and reduced red tape

I will not pretend that I have all the answers today. This situation is changing quickly, and its effects will differ depending on each business’s industry, products and supply chain. What I can promise is that your Chamber is paying close attention and working to ensure you have timely information and a strong voice at every level of government.

If your business is being directly affected, I genuinely want to hear from you. Please reach out to me directly. The more we understand about what you are facing, the more effectively we can advocate for programs and policies that respond to real business needs.

The Whitby Chamber will continue to amplify the voice of business and work toward a stronger, more resilient and prosperous future for Whitby and our region.

We will get through this together.