Tariffs - Manitoba's response

A tariff is a tax charged by the government on goods and services imported from a foreign country. Tariffs increase the price of imported goods into a country, making them less competitive compared to alternatives.

Tariffs will increase the price of Manitoba goods exported to the U.S. for American consumers. This could reduce U.S. demand for Manitoba goods and importers may look to find cheaper options. Manitoba businesses may need to adjust operations to adapt to the new market conditions.

In 2024, Canadian domestic exports to the U.S. totalled $547 billion.

Manitoba exported $14.5 billion worth of goods to the U.S., which represented 70 per cent of total domestic exports.

The federal government implemented a 25 per cent retaliatory tariff on $30 billion worth of goods and commodities imported from the U.S., followed by an additional $29.8 billion on U.S. imports in response to U.S. steel and aluminum tariffs. Canada is considering further retaliatory tariffs.

The federal government has also announced measures to support Canadian workers and businesses impacted by tariffs:

• The new Large Enterprise Tariff Loan Facility (LETL) is currently accepting applications. This program will support eligible large businesses that face difficulties in accessing traditional sources of market financing.
• Duties Relief Program - Allows qualified companies to import commercial goods without paying duties, as long as those goods are eventually exported.
• Drawback Program - Helps Canadian companies compete in export markets by removing the domestic duty impact from their commercial goods.
• Remissions on Tariffs - Canadian companies can request exceptional relief from tariffs imposed as part of Canada's countermeasures, as well as any future tariff actions.
• Tax relief and support for businesses affected by tariffs - Corporate income tax payments and GST/HST remittances have been deferred from April 2 to June 30, 2025.
• Employment Insurance Work-Sharing Program - Special measures for the Work-Sharing Program in response to the threat or potential realization of tariffs are in effect.
• Temporary Employment Insurance measures introduced to support Canadian workers. Additional information can be found at Employment Insurance benefits - Canada.ca

For more information, visit: Support for Canadian businesses and workers - Canada.ca.

Canada is also taking steps to secure our border as outlined in the border plan available at: Securing the Canada-U.S. Border: Actions and Outcomes to Date - Canada.ca.

Additional information about the lists of U.S. goods and commodities that would be subject to import tariffs, is available at: Canada's response to U.S. tariffs - Canada.ca.

For the federal government's list of products affected, visit: Canada's response to U.S. tariffs - Canada.ca.

Current Canadian Tariffs

• Twenty-five per cent on select goods imported from the U.S. For a full list of goods subject to Canadian tariffs, visit: Canada's response to U.S. tariffs - Canada.ca.

China announced tariffs on March 8, 2025, affecting over $2.6 billion worth of Canadian agricultural products with a 100 per cent tariff on canola oil, canola cake and peas and a 25 per cent tariff on aquatic products and pork. These tariffs came into force on March 20, 2025.

The Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) of Global Affairs Canada (GAC) has launched new tools to help Canadian exporters navigate CUSMA compliance. Companies can contact the support line at 1-833-760-1167 or visit the following for further information:

• Understanding CUSMA/USMCA compliance
• Step-by-step guide to CUSMA compliance

To ensure your product meets the CUSMA rules of origin and to complete a certification of origin, you will need to:

• Determine your product's Harmonized System (HS) code.
• Determine if your good meets the rules of origin (product specific rules of origin are written based on HS codes).
• Complete a certification of origin (there is no requirement for this information to be provided on a specific form. It may be provided on an invoice or any other document.)
• Consider using a template certificate to avoid errors.
• Provide the certification of origin to your U.S. importer so they can claim the preferential tariff treatment.
• Request an advance ruling for certainty about how the good will be treated upon entry into the U.S.
• Contact a certified customs broker for additional support:
• For a directory of Customs Brokers in the U.S: Permitted Customs Brokers Listing | U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• For a directory of Customs Brokers in Canada: Customs Broker Search | CSCB National Office

Additional information about Canada's response including a list of goods subject to import tariffs is available at: Canada's response to U.S. tariffs - Canada.ca.

Tariff regulations, policies and procedures are established and enforced by the Government of Canada. For further assistance with your inquiry, contact Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), by telephone at 1-800-461-9999 or the Client support contact form.

Tariffs are a federal responsibility, as they are taxes placed on imported or exported goods crossing international borders.

In response to the tariffs situation, the Manitoba government is proactively meeting with U.S. federal and state officials, labour groups and industry leaders to emphasize the importance of free and unimpeded trade between our countries.

The Manitoba government has extended tax payment deadlines. Due to the impacts of tariffs imposed on Canadian exports to the U.S., all businesses are eligible for an interest and penalty-free payment deferral of retail sales tax (RST) Health and Post Secondary Education Tax Levy (HE Levy) return remittances until June 20, 2025. The deferral is for the February, March and April 2025 return periods. More information is available at https://www.manitoba.ca/finance/taxation/.

Manitoba is a leader in Canada on internal trade and continues to look for opportunities to further reduce interprovincial trade barriers. Manitoba led all provinces and territories in the Canadian Federation of Independent Business' (CFIB) 2024 internal trade report card with the highest grade of A-. Manitoba is working closely with federal, provincial, and territorial governments to protect the Canadian economy and workforce by exploring ways to further reduce interprovincial trade barriers.

We are also partnering with industry organizations to attract foreign investment to the province and diversify export markets, while also developing tariff response support and programming for businesses affected by tariffs.

The federal government has committed to:

1. Providing supports for affected workers through the Employment Insurance system. The New Employment Insurance Measures expand EI eligibility, extend benefits, and speed up access to support. Find out more at: Employment Insurance benefits - Canada.ca
2. Special Measures for Work-Sharing Program that expand program eligibility and extend benefits period. Find out more at: Work-Sharing Program - Overview - Canada.ca
3. The Manitoba government administers a range of supports to help Manitobans with preparing for, finding, and keeping employment. A wide range of services are available at 12 Manitoba Jobs and Skills Development Centres across the province and through partnerships with community-based organizations and training providers.

Career development professionals are available to support workers with career transition planning, accessing skills training, and finding job opportunities.

To find the Centre nearest you, visit: Manitoba Jobs and Skills Development Centres

The Manitoba government can assist workers prior to a layoff. Employers can reach out to the Manitoba Jobs and Skills Development Centres nearest them to speak with a representative, who will assess the situation and provide appropriate support.

To find the Centre nearest you, visit: Manitoba Jobs and Skills Development Centres