The key facts

  • The broad exemption from counter-tariffs has been extended until June 30, 2028
  • Relief has been extended to non-steel goods for mining, oil and gas extraction, and to all goods for public educational institutions
  • Goods reliably produced in Canada will be gradually phased out of the program

Extension and expansion of tariff relief

Canada has announced an extension of part of the relief from counter-tariffs on American goods and an expansion of the range of imports covered by it. The changes were presented by Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne, who explained that they are aimed at supporting Canadian companies and workers affected by American tariffs, while also encouraging the use of Canadian goods wherever possible.

What exactly is changing

The broad tariff exemption known as horizontal remission has been extended by one year — until June 30, 2028. It now additionally covers non-steel goods used in mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction, as well as all goods purchased by public educational institutions, including those required by Indigenous organizations.

Two opposing policy directions

In addition to expanding the relief, Ottawa said it will gradually phase out from the program goods that can be reliably sourced within Canada — consistent with its stated goal of encouraging domestic production. For companies that must continue purchasing from the US in exceptional circumstances — for example, when the needed goods are in short supply in Canada or under the terms of existing contracts — a targeted relief is provided. Thus, the policy combines support for importers hurt by tariffs with a gradual withdrawal of relief where a domestic alternative exists.