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Ottawa exempts automakers from tariffs if Canadian production levels are maintained or increased.
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U.S. tariffs prompt Canadian countermeasures: CUSMA vehicle imports partially excluded from duties.
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Federal relief includes a six-month tariff holiday and loan support for affected Canadian companies.
The federal government announced April 15 that automakers that continue producing vehicles in Canada will receive an exemption from federal countermeasure tariffs. This is part of its response to new U.S. import duties on automobiles.
Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne said companies can import a limited number of U.S.-built vehicles without paying Canadian retaliatory tariffs, provided the vehicles meet Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) standards. The exemption applies only to automakers that maintain or increase Canadian production and investment levels.
The federal government introduced the measure in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision earlier this month to impose a 25 % tariff on all imported vehicles. Trump included a partial exemption under CUSMA for vehicles assembled within North America. Ottawa responded with similar tariffs targeting U.S.-assembled vehicles destined for the Canadian market.
Auto Parts Tariffs May Be Delayed as Trump Considers Limited Exemptions
Under the new Canadian policy, automakers that scaled back production in Canada could see reduced tariff-free import allowances. In addition, Champagne announced a six-month tariff holiday for goods imported from the U.S. and used in domestic manufacturing, health care, and public safety sectors.
Prime Minister Mark Carney addressed the issue during a campaign stop in Quebec, calling the North American auto sector one of the most integrated industrial systems globally. “President Trump’s tariffs are an attempt in some degree to pull apart that integration and the benefits that come from that integration,” Carney said.
Carney also indicated that tariffs on U.S. auto parts, scheduled to take effect by May 3, may be reconsidered. He said he has been discussing with senior executives from Canadian and international automakers.
Automakers, including Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis, have urged the Trump administration to reconsider the duties. Industry analysts say they are likely to increase costs and disrupt cross-border supply chains. On April 14, Trump suggested that a delay or additional exemptions may be forthcoming.
To support Canadian businesses affected by the dispute, Ottawa announced a range of relief measures, including a temporary tariff exemption for certain U.S. imports and an expanded large enterprise tariff loan facility now accepting applications.
Source: Automotive News
The post Canada To Offer Tariff Exemptions for Automakers Maintaining Domestic Production appeared first on Motor Illustrated.
Canada To Offer Tariff Exemptions for Automakers Maintaining Domestic Production