Canada Responds to Unjustified U.S. Tariffs on Canadian Steel and Aluminum Products - Government of Canada

March 12, 2025 - Ottawa, Ontario - Department of Finance Canada

Today, the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Finance and Intergovernmental Affairs, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, outlined the Government of Canada’s response to the 25 per cent tariffs the U.S. unjustifiably imposed on all Canadian steel and aluminum products earlier today.

Following a dollar-for-dollar approach, Canada is imposing, as of 12:01 am, March 13, 2025, 25 per cent reciprocal tariffs on a list of steel products worth $12.6 billion and aluminum products worth $3 billion, as well as additional imported U.S. goods worth $14.2 billion, for a total of $29.8 billion. The list of additional products affected by counter tariffs includes tools, computers and servers, display monitors, sport equipment, and cast-iron products.

These tariffs are in addition to Canada’s 25 per cent counter tariffs on $30 billion of imports from the U.S., in response to U.S. International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) tariffs put in place on March 4. Unless U.S. IEEPA tariffs and other unjustified U.S. tariff threats are addressed, Canada will apply counter tariffs on additional imports from the U.S. on April 2 following the public comment period. The scope could also be further increased if new tariffs are imposed, and all options remain on the table for responding to unjustified tariffs on Canada.

With regards to the imposition of tariffs on the steel and aluminum content in certain derivative products by the U.S., the government is currently assessing this aspect of the U.S. tariffs and may impose further counter tariffs in response.

The government is also taking steps to mitigate the impact of these countermeasures on Canadian workers and businesses, including by ensuring that its recently established remission process will consider requests for exceptional relief from these new tariffs.

On March 7, 2025, the Government of Canada announced measures to support Canadian workers and businesses during these difficult and uncertain times. These measures include the Trade Impact Program through Export Development Canada to help exporters reach new markets and help companies navigate the economic challenges, favourably priced loans through the Business Development Bank of Canada to support impacted businesses in sectors directly targeted by tariffs, as well as companies in their supply chains, and new financing through Farm Credit Canada to reduce financial barriers for the Canadian agriculture and food industry.

In addition, the government introduced temporary flexibilities to the EI Work-Sharing Program to increase access and maximum agreement duration. This program provides EI benefits to employees who agree with their employer to work reduced hours due to a decrease in business activity beyond their employer’s control.

While we urge the U.S. administration to reconsider their decision to impose tariffs, Canada will remain firm in standing up for our jobs, our industries, and our workers.

In the weeks and months ahead, additional measures will be brought forward to support businesses and workers as needed. The federal government will also continue to work closely with provinces and territories to ensure complementary supports are in place across all jurisdictions.

Quotes
 

List of products from the United States subject to 25 per cent tariffs effective March 13, 2025
 

Federal Register Notices:

• Investigations; Determinations, Modifications, and Rulings, etc.: Carbon and Alloy Steel Threaded Rod From China, India, Taiwan, and Thailand; Scheduling of Expedited Five-Year Reviews
• Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Investigations, Orders, or Reviews: Carbon and Alloy Steel Threaded Rod From India, Taiwan, and Thailand: Final Results of the Expedited First Sunset Reviews of the Antidumping Duty Orders
• Silicon Metal From Malaysia: Final Results of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review; 2022-2023
• Disposable Aluminum Containers, Pans, Trays, and Lids From the People's Republic of China: Final Affirmative Countervailing Duty Determination and Final Affirmative Determination of Critical Circumstances
• Carbon and Alloy Steel Threaded Rod From India and the People's Republic of China: Final Results of the Expedited First Sunset Review of the Countervailing Duty Orders
• Aluminum Wire and Cable From the People's Republic of China: Final Results of the Expedited First Sunset Review of the Countervailing Duty Order
• Notice of Scope Ruling Applications Filed in Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Proceedings
• Welded Stainless Steel Pressure Pipe Orders From Malaysia, Thailand, and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam: Final Results of the Expedited Second Sunset Reviews of the Antidumping Duty Orders
• Aluminum Wire and Cable From the People's Republic of China: Final Results of the First Expedited Sunset Reviews of the Antidumping Duty Order
• Steel Racks and Parts Thereof, From the People's Republic of China: Continuation of Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Orders
• Sales at Less Than Fair Value; Determinations, Investigations, etc.: Disposable Aluminum Containers, Pans, Trays, and Lids From the People's Republic of China: Final Affirmative Determination of Sales at Less Than Fair Value and Final Affirmative Determination of Critical Circumstances
• Methylene Diphenyl Diisocyanate From the People's Republic of China: Initiation of Less-Than-Fair-Value Investigation
• Overhead Door Counterbalance Torsion Springs From the People's Republic of China and India: Postponement of Preliminary Determinations in the Less-Than-Fair-Value Investigations
• Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Investigations, Orders, or Reviews: Passenger Vehicle and Light Truck Tires From the People's Republic of China: Notice of Court Decision Not in Harmony With the Results of Antidumping Administrative Review; Notice of Amended Final Results
• Aluminum Extrusions From the People's Republic of China: Notice of Amended Final Scope Rulings Pursuant to Court Decision
• Investigations; Determinations, Modifications, and Rulings, etc.: Steel Trailer Wheels From China
• Certain Welded Large Diameter Line Pipe From Japan; Scheduling of a Full Five-Year Review
• Certification of Systems for Processing and Collecting Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum Articles Pursuant to the President's February 10, 2025 Proclamations
• Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Investigations, Orders, or Reviews: Thermoformed Molded Fiber Products From the People's Republic of China: Preliminary Affirmative Countervailing Duty Determination and Alignment of Final Determination With Final Antidumping Duty Determination
• Thermoformed Molded Fiber Products From the Socialist Republic of Vietnam: Preliminary Affirmative Countervailing Duty Determination, Preliminary Affirmative Critical Circumstances Determination, and Alignment of Final Determination With Final Antidumping Duty Determination
• Steel Concrete Reinforcing Bar From Mexico: Notice of Court Decision Not in Harmony With the Results of Antidumping Administrative Review; Notice of Amended Final Results
   

Baltimore CBP Officers Seize Over $72k in Counterfeit Vinyl Flooring Tiles from China - U.S. Customs & Border Protection

BALTIMORE – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers seized over 10,000 cases of vinyl flooring tiles in Baltimore on February 25 after trademark holders confirmed that the trademarks were counterfeit. The shipment, had it been authentic, was valued at more than $72,422.

CBP officers initially examined the shipment of 10,400 boxes of United Diamond Core SPC vinyl flooring tiles on January 28 after it arrived from China. The shipment was destined to an address in Sheridan, Wyoming.

Officers suspected that the UL Greenguard certification mark and the L2C trademark were counterfeit and detained the flooring tiles on January 30.

CBP officers submitted product documentation and photographs to CBP’s trade experts at the Industrial and Manufacturing Materials Center of Excellence and Expertise (CEE) for analysis. CBP’s trade experts verified that the UL Greenguard and L2C markings were used without authorization. The counterfeit flooring tiles were subject to seizure pursuant to CBP’s statutory and regulatory authorities.

The UL Greenguard mark certifies that the product has low chemical emissions, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which pose serious health concerns to consumers. The L2C trademark is used as part of an industry authentication program designed to detect infringing flooring products.

Collectively, these certifications are designed to protect and assure consumers that the flooring tiles are safe, of advertised quality, and possess a valid manufacturer’s warranty.

“Consumers could be victimized twice by counterfeit products, such as these flooring tiles. The product could be manufactured using unsafe and substandard materials that pose health and safety threats, and counterfeit products void any associated manufacturer warranties for repair or replacement of inferior or damaged products,” said Adam Rottman, CBP’s Area Port Director for the Area Port of Baltimore. “Customs and Border Protection and our consumer safety partners urge consumers to protect themselves and their families by always buying authentic products from reputable vendors.”

The international trade in counterfeit consumer goods is illegal. It steals revenues from trademark holders, steals tax revenues from the government, funds transnational criminal organizations, and the unregulated products potentially threaten the health and safety of American consumers.

Counterfeiters manufacture consumer goods using substandard materials and parts that either break prematurely or that could hurt consumers. Counterfeit consumer goods may also be sourced or manufactured in facilities that employ forced labor.

For more information about the consequences and dangers often associated with the purchase of counterfeit goods visit the Truth Behind Counterfeits public awareness campaign website at CBP’s Fake Goods Real Dangers webpage.

CBP protects businesses and consumers every day through an aggressive Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) enforcement program. During fiscal year 2024, CBP recorded oner 32,000 seizures with an estimated manufacturer’s suggested retail price worth over $5.4 billion, had the goods been genuine.

News media can search for additional enforcement details by viewing CBP’s IPR webpage or by viewing CBP’s IPR Dashboard and CBP’s Annual IPR Seizures Reports.

U.S. trademark and copyright owners can register with CBP to have their intellectual property protected at the border through the through the e-Recordation program (https://iprr.cbp.gov/s/).

CBP's border security mission is led at our nation’s Ports of Entry by CBP officers and agriculture specialists from the Office of Field Operations. CBP screens international travelers and cargo and searches for illicit narcotics, unreported currency, weapons, counterfeit consumer goods, prohibited agriculture, invasive weeds and pests, and other illicit products that could potentially harm the American public, U.S. businesses, and our nation’s safety and economic vitality.
 

Philadelphia CBP Seizes Noncompliant Wheeled Tractor Shipped from China to Burlington County, NJ - U.S. Customs & Border Protection

PHILADELPHIA – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers in Philadelphia seized a noncompliant wheeled backhoe tractor on Wednesday that was being shipped from China to a residence in Burlington County, N.J.

CBP officers inspected and detained the tractor on February 1 and requested additional product and import documentation from the import broker.

CBP officers and an EPA compliance officer inspected the tractor on February 11. The EPA compliance officer determined that the tractor’s engine was not certified by the EPA for use in the United States.

The EPA provided a determination letter to CBP on February 28 that the tractor violated the Clean Air Act and recommended that CBP seize the tractor.

The Clean Air Act prohibits importation into the United States of any motor vehicle, motor vehicle engine, nonroad engine and equipment that does not conform to the EPA emission standards and requirements. These standards apply to all vehicles and engines including imported motor vehicles, heavy-duty engines, nonroad engines, and recreational vehicles, whether they are new or used, or manufactured domestically or abroad.

CBP’s trade experts at the Automotive and Aerospace Center of Excellence and Expertise assessed the tractor at $7,679. CBP officers seized the tractor on Wednesday.

“The internet marketplace and global supply systems have made it easier for consumers to purchase products from foreign markets. Even though products like this tractor are easier to buy, consumers must still exercise their due diligence and ensure that the product they intend to purchase complies with all applicable U.S. safety and import laws,” said Cleatus P. Hunt, Jr., CBP’s Area Port Director for the Area Port of Philadelphia.

Consumers considering overseas purchases of vehicles or engines should read EPA’s importation guidance and NHTSA’s rules governing the lawful importation of vehicles. NTHSA also offers answers to some common vehicle importing questions and concerns.
 

CBP seizes $3.5 million worth of counterfeit luxury jewelry in One Consignment Sent from China to Puerto Rico - U.S. Department of Treasury

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at an express consignment location seized a shipment containing fake designer jewelry worth $3.5 million, had it been genuine.

The consignment was intercepted on Feb. 20, originating from China and destined for a residence in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico.  The package contained 660 jewelry items such as rings, bracelets and necklaces, which resembled the well-known luxury brand Van Cleef & Arpels’ “Alhambra” line.   

"Buying counterfeit luxury jewelry from China may seem like a bargain, but it often fuels criminal enterprises involved in money laundering, forced labor, and even organized crime. These counterfeit networks exploit workers, evade taxes, and undermine legitimate businesses while funding illicit activities such as human trafficking and drug trade,” stated Efrain Rivas, Assistant Director of Field Operations for Trade at the San Juan Field Office. “ Every purchase supports an underground economy that thrives on deception and exploitation."

CBP recommends consumers recognize the red flags to look for when shopping discounts:

• Purchasing goods directly from the trademark holder, original manufacturer, or from authorized retailers.
• Educating yourself on prices of legitimate goods.  If the item is priced well below fair market value, the likelihood is higher that the merchandise being considered for purchase is counterfeit.  If a price seems too good to be true, then it probably is.
• Staying away from web sites that do not offer customer service contact information, return policies, and legitimate phone numbers.
• Reviewing CBP’s E-Commerce Counterfeit Awareness Guide for Consumers for more detailed information.

CBP provides basic import information about admissibility requirements and the clearance process for e-commerce goods and encourages buyers to confirm that their purchases and the importation of those purchases comply with state and federal import regulations.

The dangers of buying counterfeit products aren’t always obvious to consumers. Particularly, when shopping online, beware of counterfeit goods. Fake goods can lead to real dangers. For more information, visit The Truth Behind Counterfeits page.

Suspected intellectual property rights violations, fraud, or illegal trade activity can be reported by contacting CBP through the e-Allegations Online Trade Violations Reporting System or by calling 1-800-BE-ALERT. Violations can also be reported to the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center at https://www.iprcenter.gov/referral/ or by telephone at 1-866-IPR-2060.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is America's frontline: the nation's largest law enforcement organization and the world's first unified border management agency. The 65,000+ men and women of CBP protect America on the ground, in the air, and on the seas. We facilitate safe, lawful travel and trade and ensure our country's economic prosperity. We enhance the nation's security through innovation, intelligence, collaboration, and trust.