The Canadian government has announced tariff exemptions on several steel and aluminum products imported from the United States and China, as part of efforts to support local companies affected by trade tensions with both countries, according to Reuters.
Prime Minister Mark Carney is leading negotiations with U.S. President Donald Trump, who imposed tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum exports, while his team met with Chinese officials last week in an attempt to secure exemptions from Chinese tariffs on Canadian agricultural goods.
Canada’s economy is facing mounting pressure due to the impact of these tariffs on its exports to both the U.S. and China. The new government has lifted a number of retaliatory duties previously imposed on American imports in an effort to restore balance in trade relations.
According to a document issued by the Ministry of Finance on Friday, the Additional Duty Exemption Order of 2024 was amended to include certain types of steel and aluminum imported from China that are not produced domestically. The decision took effect on October 15, with further details to be released on November 5.
The exemptions also cover some American steel and aluminum products related to public health, national security, manufacturing, agriculture, and food packaging.
Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne said on Monday that “the exemption process aims to protect Canadian workers and support domestic industries amid exceptional circumstances,” adding that “the covered products are very specific and essential to maintaining supply chains, and will not significantly affect the amount of countervailing duties collected.”
