Trade and tariff resources

The City of Waterloo recognizes the impact U.S. tariffs pose for the Canadian economy. We are committed to navigating these challenges with resilience, putting the interests of our local businesses at the forefront. View the motion from City of Waterloo council (PDF).

As a business in the City of Waterloo, you may face challenges related to tariffs and changing trade policies. Whether you're importing goods, exporting products, or managing supply chain impacts, we’re here to help. Below, you’ll find tools, resources, data and local support to navigate tariffs and strengthen your global competitiveness. We will update this page as new information, programs and resources become available.

For additional resources please visit Waterloo EDC Tariff Support Page

Resources

Here is a list of resources that provide practical tools to help your business understand and manage tariff-related challenges.

Tariffs, Rules and Regulations

Tariffs, Rules and Regulations – Find information on tariff and duties, sanctions, export and import controls, and other rules that affect Canadian traders.
Canada Tariff Finder – A free tool to determine tariffs for exporting Canadian products to different markets.
List of products subject to tariffs - Explore the Government of Canada's list of products from the United States subject to 25 percent tariffs.
Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) Trade Compliance Resources - Find information on importing/exporting goods, product classifications, duty deferral programs and more.

Tariff Remissions

The Government of Canada is outlining a process for how it will consider remission requests of tariffs on products from the United States that apply beginning on March 4, 2025. Under specific circumstances, remission allows for relief from the payment of tariffs, or the refund of tariffs already paid.

International Trade and Export Services

Government of Canada – International Trade and Investment – Find information on import, export, and investment in Canada and foreign markets, as well as trade or investment agreements. This includes access to a list of Canadian suppliers and importers who will help you to expand your business, buy or sell in Canada.
Trade Commissioner Service – Provides assistance by connecting businesses with funding and support programs, international opportunities, and a network of trade commissioners in over 160 cities worldwide.
- Find additional information on how the Trade Commission is supporting Canadian exporters through United States tariff challenges.

CanExport SMEs – The Government of Canada CanExport SMEs program provides funding to help Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) break into international markets.

Export Development Canada – Find financing and insurance solutions that support Canadian companies to increase their international exports while managing risks.
Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters - Canada’s largest trade and industry association that represents manufacturers and exporters.

Supply Chains

Ontario Made Directory - Explore a list of products and services made in Ontario.
Canada Made Directory - Explore a list of products and services made in Canada.

Trillium Network for Advanced Manufacturing - TrilliumGIS - This advanced manufacturing sector asset and ecosystem map contains information about more than 12,000 manufacturing establishments and 250 ecosystem partners in Ontario.

Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium (EMC) Survey – Provide key insights to guide EMC's ongoing efforts to build and support a robust Canadian manufacturing supply chain.

Start Up Canada – Tariff Toolkit – This toolkit is designed to support business owners by providing a comprehensive collection of national and regional support, events, and tariff information.

Funding programs

Duty Deferral Program (DDP)

The Duty Deferral Program (DDP) is administered by the Canada Border Service Agency (CBSA) and is Canada’s main FTZ-type program that covers three components:

Duties relief program – provides upfront duties relief
Drawback program – provides repayment of import duties
Customs bonded warehouse program (CBW) – allows for the deferral of duties and GST/HST for up to four years

Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)

Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) provides expert advice and financing solutions to help Canadian businesses make smart, considered decisions to help you succeed and mitigate risks when dealing with the impacts of tariffs.

Work-Sharing Program

Employment and Social Development Canada Work-Share Program provides work-sharing special measures to support businesses affected by tariffs.

Southwestern Ontario Development Fund

The Government of Ontario Southwestern Ontario Development Fund provides support for projects and investments to growing companies for economic development in southwestern Ontario.

Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) - Tax Incentives

The Government of Canada Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) Tax Incentives program is eligible to businesses who are engaged in scientific research and experimental development, where you may be able to earn tax incentives that reduce your income tax payable.

Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Competitiveness (AMIC)

The Government of Ontario Regional Development Program - Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Competitiveness (AMIC) Stream, provides financial support to advanced manufacturing companies with a focus on small and medium-sized enterprises across Ontario. Eligible companies can get support to make investments in technology, equipment or skills to improve your competitiveness.

Manufacturing-specific resources

Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters

Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters is Canada’s largest trade and industry association that represents manufacturers and exporters.

Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium (EMC)

Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium (EMC) provides a list of free resources for manufacturers and remains committed to keeping Canadian manufacturers informed about Canada / US trade relations.

Trillium Network for Advanced Manufacturing

The Trillium Network for Advanced Manufacturing – ecosystem directory provides information about more than 230 publicly funded and non-profit organizations supporting Ontario’s manufacturing ecosystem.

Industry-specific associations

The following associations may represent your business and provide valuable resources to keep you informed about advocacy efforts and industry impacts.

Local support

Take advantage of local organizations and government support to help navigate trade and tariff challenges.

City of Waterloo Economic Development Office – Work with our team to explore trade programs, investment support, and business expansion strategies.
Kitchener-Waterloo Chamber of Commerce Trade Services – Access advocacy, trade certification, and business support services, including networking opportunities and market entry strategies for exporters.

Additional resources and webinars around the topic of tariffs can be found on the Chamber’s ChamberCheck.ca webpage.

Latest news

Ontario Chamber of Commerce – Find updates on tariffs from the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, as well as the Government of Ontario and Government of Canada.
Department of Finance Canada – Find the latest news and communications products from the Department of Finance Canada.

Subscribe to our e-newsletter

Sign up for the City of Waterloo SMART Business e-newsletter to get the latest information about supports available and information for Waterloo businesses.

Book a meeting

The City of Waterloo Economic Development team is here to help support businesses. We can connect you to resources, advocate for programs, or help make connections to new supply chains within the region.

To book a meeting with an Economic Development Officer, email ecdev@waterloo.ca

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