Tariffs - Manitoba's response

• A tariff is a tax or duty imposed by a government on an imported or exported good. 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 2023, Canadian domestic exports to the United States totalled $547 billion. In 2023, Manitoba exported $15.5 billion worth of goods to the United States, representing 72 per cent of Manitoba's total exports.

• The federal government has implemented  a 25 per cent retaliatory tariff on $30 billion worth of goods and commodities imported from the U.S. Canada is considering a second round of retaliatory tariffs on an additional $155 billion worth of goods.
• The federal government has also committed to providing supports for affected workers and businesses, though specific details have not yet been released.
• 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
• For more information on the federal response to the tariffs visit: Government of Canada announces next steps in its response plan to unjustified U.S. tariffs - Canada.ca.

For the federal government’slist of products affected, visit: List of products from the United States subject to 25 per cent tariffs effective February 4, 2025 - Canada.ca

The U.S., Canada and Mexico entered into a free trade agreement, the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). This agreement allows for an almost tariff-free market for all the countries involved. Further information on CUSMA can be found at The Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).

The federal government has announced $1.3-billion for more personnel, new technology and equipment, and enhanced coordination to increase border security. For more information on Canada’s border plan, visit: Strengthening border security - Canada.ca

Resources are available at:

• Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) - Chapter 4 - Rules of Origin – Accord Canada–États-Unis–Mexique (ACEUM) - Chapitre 4 - Règles d’origine    
• Importing goods into Canada – Importer des marchandises au Canada
• Certifying the origin of goods – Certification de l’origine des marchandises
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection:
• CBP's USMCA Centre (English only)
• Basic Importing and Exporting | U.S. Customs and Border Protection (English only)

Businesses can check import and export tariffs for specific goods and markets at: Find the tariff applicable for your product | Canada Tariff Finder.

Additional information about Canada’s response including a list of goods subject to import tariffs is available at: Government of Canada announces next steps in its response plan to unjustified U.S. tariffs - Canada.ca.

For more specific information, contact the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) at: CBSA - Canadian Customs Tariff, via telephone at 1-800-461-9999 or the Client support contact form.

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.

The federal government has committed to providing supports for affected workers through the Employment Insurance system, though specific details have not yet been released.

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