April 4, 2025
Canadian Federation of Agriculture: Canada announces new countermeasures in response to tariffs from the USA (April 4 2025 update)
Good afternoon,
Yesterday, the U.S. administration imposed a new wave of tariffs on countries around the world, including a baseline 10% reciprocal tariff on all countries (except Canada and Mexico) effective April 5th, followed by varying degrees of incremental reciprocal tariffs for countries around the world (again not including Canada and/or Mexico) effective April 9th.
It is important to stress that no new tariffs were announced yesterday that would directly impact Canada. However, previously announced tariffs against Canada remain or came into effect yesterday, notably:
- On March 4, 2025, the U.S. imposed 25 per cent tariffs on CUSMA non-compliant Canadian goods, and 10 per cent tariffs on energy imports from Canada.
- On March 12, 2025, the U.S. imposed 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum products.
- On April 3, 2025, previously announced U.S. tariffs of 25 per cent on Canadian automobiles came into effect
In response, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced yesterday new targeted countermeasures including:
- Twenty-five per cent tariffs on non-CUSMA compliant fully assembled vehicles imported into Canada from the United States
- Twenty-five per cent tariffs on non-Canadian and non-Mexican content of CUSMA compliant fully assembled vehicles imported into Canada from the United States.
- Canada’s intention to develop a framework for auto producers that incentivizes production and investment in Canada.
A full list of Government support measures is attached for reference. The government has also established a remission process to consider requests for exceptional relief from Canadian tariffs on U.S. goods.
Should you have any specific questions or concerns don’t hesitate to contact us directly at brodie@canadian-farmers.ca or you can reach out to AAFC’s Industry Engagement Team at aafc.roundtable-tableronde.aac@agr.gc.ca
Please also consult the CFA Canada-US webpage for more information on Canada-US trade and key messages. Please also keep us informed of any submissions being made on behalf of your members so as to support our joint advocacy on this important issue.
CFA Team
Supporting Canadians and Canadian Businesses in the Face of U.S. Tariffs (Government of Canada PDF)
April 3, 2025
Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society
April 1, 2025
Impending Tariffs May Inflict Big Costs And Headaches At US Border (chronofhorse.com)
Horsepeople’s Top Tariff Questions Answered (horsesport.com)
March 25, 2025
Tariffs: The Horse Industry’s Journey into the Great Unknown (American Horse Council)
March 21, 2025
Update from Glen Duizer, DVM MSc
Chief Veterinary Officer
Manitoba Agriculture
We have been advised that both full time USDA port veterinarians at the Pembina ND Port of Entry have tendered resignations, the second one effective April 6, 2025. There will be a weekly rotation of veterinarians assigned after April 6. There is an expectation that there will be delays in crossing and/or days where no crossings will be available. There are already limited crossing at the Dunseith ND Port of Entry. It is advised that horse owners intent on entering the US with their horses contact the USDA well in advance to determine when it is possible for them to cross. The email for the Pembina crossing is VS.Pembina.POE@usda.gov. It is further advised that owners look out for potential tariffs and associated rules that may apply on purchases of horses, supplies or feedstuffs moving in either direction.
March 20, 2025
The opportunity is available now for Canadians to give feedback to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) on potential tariffs from Canada. We encourage impacted sport licence holders to ensure you are following the regulations as they are posted and stay up to date. There are resources available such as this communication from Standardbred Canada. If you wish to share your opinion on Canada’s retaliatory tariffs with the Government of Canada, you may do so through the portal link for the Department of Finance before April 2, 2025.
For the tariff work, EC is engaged with other sector experts including our equestrian sport and breed counterparts in the CAN and the US, to monitor and track the changes, and to ensure we’re aware of the work being done on both sides of the border in support of all horses for all purposes.
You should also be aware of the immigration status changes for Canadians traveling to or staying in the United States for 30 days or more. Beginning April 11, 2025, Canadian’s visiting the United States for 30 days or more must register with the U.S. government prior to the expiration of that 30-day period.
A good resource to bookmark is the Canadian Association of Retired Persons or CARP:
www.carp.ca/2025/03/07/new-us-requirements-for-canadian-snowbirds
We will continue to update as the situation develops. We encourage everyone to follow what is going on as it relates to each individual situation and go to the government sources for details.