Trade War Alert

Canada retaliates against U.S. with $3.6B in tariffs

Toronto, August 7, 2020

In response to yesterday’s measures by the U.S. to impose a 10% tariff on Canadian aluminum, the Government of Canada is seeking comments on a proposed list of 10% countermeasure tariffs to take effect by September 16, 2020.

The countermeasures will apply only to goods originating from the U.S., which shall be considered as those goods eligible to be marked as a good of the U.S. in accordance with the Determination of Country of Origin for the Purposes of Marking Goods (CUSMA Countries) Regulations.  Once implemented, the countermeasures will remain in place until the U.S. eliminates its tariffs against Canada.  The countermeasures will not apply to U.S. goods that are in transit to Canada on the day on which they come into force.

Written comments should be provided no later than September 6, 2020.  Submissions, at a minimum, should include the following information:

1. Canadian company/industry association name and contact person.
2. Relevant eight-digit tariff item(s) and description of the goods of particular interest.
3. Reasons for the expressed support for, or concern with, the proposed countermeasures, including detailed information substantiating any expected beneficial or adverse impact.
4. Please identify if information provided in the submissions is commercially sensitive.

All comments and general inquiries should be sent to the following email address: fin.tariff-tarif.fin@canada.ca.  Only submissions by email will be accepted.  Please include the term “Aluminum countermeasures” in the subject line of your submission.

We will provide updates as details are available.

For more information, please call Brian Rowe, Director – Customs Compliance & Regulatory Affairs at (905) 882-4880, ext. 1213.