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ARTICLE · 24 FEBRUARY 2026

Canada Tightens Trade Policy As Tariff Relief Measures Expire

Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP
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In 2025, Canada introduced a range of tariffs (surtaxes) and import quotas in response to changes in the global trading environment.

CanadaInternational Law
Zvi Halpern-Shavim
Zvi Halpern-Shavim
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Elena Balkos
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Brady Gordon
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James Ashwell
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In 2025, Canada introduced a range of tariffs (surtaxes) and import quotas in response to changes in the global trading environment. While many of these measures were accompanied by relief mechanisms that permitted importers to claim or apply for remission (exemptions or refunds), some of these are now being phased out as Canada continues to tighten its trade restrictions overall.

New Tariffs on Imports of Steel Derivatives

Effective December 26, 2025, Canada imposed a 25% tariff on global imports of certain steel derivative products. The tariff applies to a defined list of goods, including various downstream products — many of which contain only a partial steel content and, notably, some of which contain no steel at all.

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