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Canada-U.S. Tariff Delay & $6B Federal Support Announced

Economy | March 7, 2025

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Canada-U.S. Tariff Delay Until April 2, $6 Billion Federal Support Announced

As of March 7, 2025, Canada and the U.S. are still locked in a tense tariff dispute but there's been a shift in the timeline. The 25% tariffs originally set to take effect this month have now been delayed until April 2, 2025. Meanwhile, the Canadian government has stepped in with financial support for businesses and workers expected to be hit hardest.

Tariff Delay and What It Means

Developments and updates are fluid as both countries negotiate to resolve the ongoing disputes while trying to mitigate adverse economic impacts to jobs and trade.

  • February 2025: Initial tariff announcement and delay - President Trump announced a 25% tariff on nearly all imports from Canada and Mexico, citing concerns over border security and drug trafficking. The tariffs were initially set to begin on February 4 but were postponed by a month following negotiations with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. ​
  • March 5:  Automotive sector postponement - The U.S. administration granted a 30-day reprieve from the 25% tariffs for automakers compliant with the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). This was done to minimize disruption given that the automotive industry is heavily reliant on integrated supply chains across North America including Canada, Mexico and the U.S.
  • March 6:  Expanded tariff delay until Apr 2- President Trump extended the tariff postponement to include all USMCA-compliant goods from Canada and Mexico, effectively delaying the 25% tariffs on these products until April 2, 2025. This allows more time for negotiation and to address economic concerns and market volatility.

Canada's Response and $6 Billion Federal Support

Despite the U.S. delaying tariffs on USMCA-compliant goods, Canada is sticking to its guns and keeping the initial retaliatory tariffs of 25% on $30 billion worth of U.S. goods on products like orange juice, peanut butter, and motorcycles. However, Canada suspended the second wave of tariffs worth $125 billion until April 2 following the U.S. postponement. Additionally, Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced a 25% increase in electricity charges for U.S. states starting March 10 as a countermeasure.

See:  The Crisis Canada and Fintech Can’t Afford to Waste

Today, the Canadian government announced a $6 billion support package to help businesses and workers affected by U.S. tariffs. This includes financial support for exporters, farmers, and small businesses as well as temporary changes to Employment Insurance rules to assist workers facing job disruptions.

Global Reaction

This Guardian's editorial summarizes the situation clearly and positions Canada on the global frontline of fair trade.  President Trump’s 25% tariffs on Canadian imports are causing major economic concerns but his false claims about the border are making things even worse.  Trump has repeatedly falsely stated that Canada is allowing a surge of illegal immigration and has linked this to his tariff decisions but there is no evidence of a significant rise in illegal crossings from Canada into the U.S. Trump's administration has also accused Canada of being a gateway for fentanyl trafficking, even though most illegal fentanyl enters the U.S. through legal ports of entry from other countries.  Canadians are fed up and fighting back by boycotting U.S. products, supporting Canadian businesses, and demanding strong action from their government.  Canada is proving itself to be a global leader in fair trade, pushing back against misinformation and working to keep its economy strong despite U.S. pressure.

Closing Outlook

While the temporary delay gives both sides a chance to talk, businesses and consumers should prepare for potential price increases if tariffs go ahead in April.  The coming days/weeks will be critical for trade representatives and negotiators to find a resolution.


NCFA Jan 2018 resize - Canada-U.S. Tariff Delay & $6B Federal Support AnnouncedThe National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association of Canada (NCFA Canada) is a cross-Canada non-profit actively engaged with fintech, alternative finance, blockchain, cryptocurrency, crowdfunding and online investing stakeholders globally. NCFA Canada provides education, research, industry stewardship, services, and networking opportunities to thousands of members and subscribers and works closely with industry, government, academia, community and eco-system partners and affiliates to create a strong and vibrant crowdfunding and fintech industry. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org

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