The Invest Oakville team is here to help!
Connect with us to share tariff impacts on your business and discuss opportunities for support.
In the news
Latest developments in tariffs and global trade
July 20, 2026: Statement by Prime Minister Carney on the United States administration’s intention to impose new tariffs on Canadian goods
July 20, 2026: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Imposes Additional Tariffs on Canada
July 9, 2026: Prime Minister Carney deepens partnership with Saudi Arabia across trade, education, technology, and critical minerals
July 8, 2026: Prime Minister Carney secures new defence partnerships at the 2026 NATO Summit
July 2, 2026: Prime Minister Carney announces new partnerships with the Philippines in trade, energy, defence, and tourism
June 18, 2026: Canada and British Columbia forge new partnership to accelerate homebuilding, lower costs, and build new local infrastructure
June 14, 2026: Prime Minister Carney expands Canada’s partnership with Ireland across science, technology, and culture
June 12, 2026: Prime Minister Carney deepens partnership with France across trade, defence, and advanced technologies
June 4, 2026: Prime Minister Carney launches AI for All: Canada’s new national artificial intelligence strategy
May 4, 2026: Prime Minister Carney strengthens trade and security partnerships with European nations
April 29, 2026: Prime Minister Carney announces Team Canada Strong – a nationwide plan to recruit up to 100,000 skilled trades workers
March 6, 2026: Prime Minister Carney forges new Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Japan across defence, energy, trade, and technology
March 5, 2026: Prime Minister Carney elevates partnership with Australia in critical minerals, defence, and artificial intelligence
March 2, 2026: Prime Minister Carney secures ambitious new partnership with India focused on energy, talent, and technology
February 9, 2026: Prime Minister Carney secures new economic, security, and talent partnerships with Luxembourg
January 16, 2026: Prime Minister Carney forges new strategic partnership with the People’s Republic of China focused on energy, agri-food, and trade
August 1, 2025: Statement by Prime Minister Carney on Canada-U.S. trade
July 21, 2025: Ontario signs new free trade agreements with British Columbia and Canada’s three territories
June 3, 2025: United States announces adjustments to imports of aluminum and steel - doubles tariffs
May 28, 2025: Ontario introduces seventh Working for Workers Act
May 26, 2025: Ontario helping workers access skills training faster
April 16, 2025: Ontario unlocking free trade within Canada
April 15, 2025: Canada announces new support for Canadian businesses affected by U.S. tariffs
April 8, 2025: Canada announces counter tariffs on non-CUSMA compliant auto imports from the United States to come into force on April 9
April 7, 2025: Ontario provides $11 billion in relief and support for workers and businesses to protect the economy from the impact of U.S. tariffs
April 3, 2025: Canada announces new countermeasures in response to tariffs from the United States of America
April 2, 2025: United States announce reciprocal tariffs for all countries (except Canada and Mexico) as of April 5, 2025
March 26, 2025: United States imposes 25 per cent tariffs on auto imports
March 24, 2025: Oakville enhances procurement rules to support Canadian and Ontario businesses amid tariff measures between the U.S. and Canada
March 21, 2025: Mark Carney announces tariff relief for Canadian businesses
March 13, 2025: Canada imposes 25 per cent tariffs on $29.8billion in U.S. products following U.S. tariffs on Canadian aluminum and steel
March 11, 2025: Ontario suspends 25 per cent surcharge on U.S.-bound electricity exports
March 10, 2025: Ontario Applies 25 Per Cent Surcharge on Electricity Exports to United States
March 8, 2025: United States suspends tariffs on goods that qualify for the USMCA preference
March 7, 2025: Canada announces support programs for impacted businesses
March 6, 2025: United States adjusts tariffs on the automotive industry
March 4, 2025: Canada announces robust tariff package in response to unjustified U.S. tariffs
March 3, 2025: United States proceeds with tariffs on Canadian and Mexican products
February 26, 2025: Oakville Council unanimously signals support of the work of Canada and Ontario governments to counter proposed U.S. tariffs
February 10, 2025: The U.S. imposes a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports
February 3, 2025: United States government pauses tariffs on Canadian products for 30 days
February 2, 2025: Government of Canada announces next steps in its response plan to unjustified U.S. tariffs
February 2, 2025: List of products from the United States subject to 25 per cent tariffs
February 1, 2025: Canada announces $155B tariff package in response to unjustified U.S. tariffs
January 27, 2025: Province investing $100 million in job training to protect Ontario workers
Tools and resources
Tariff tools
- Canada Border Services Agency: Trade facilitation, compliance and incentives
- Canada Tariff Finder: Find tariff rates for specific products and countries where Canada has a Free Trade Agreement
- Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium (EMC)’s Member Needs Help: Canada/US Trade Relations platform is open to all Canadian manufacturers, providing expert insights and solutions
- Explore the Canadian Chamber of Commerce (CCC)’s Canada-U.S. Trade Tracker
- Export Development Canada: One year later: How U.S. tariffs reshaped Canada-U.S. trade
- FAQs: Export Development Canada (EDC)’s United States market intelligence
- Toronto Region Board of Trade's SME Playbook for Navigating US-Canada Tariffs
- Trade Commissioner Service: Expand globally with Canada’s free trade agreements
- Trade Commissioner Service: 2025 State of Trade report
- Trade Data Online: Find trade data (import/export trends, key markets, trade flows) by product
Made in Ontario/Canada resources
- Made in Canada
- Ontario Made
- Trillium Network for Advanced Manufacturing’s Manufacturing Ecosystem Map
- Well Made in Canada
Trade missions, events, trainings and webinars
Explore the Trade Commissioner Service Events and Training Calendar for additional opportunities for your business in 2026 and 2027.
Bitgaram International Exposition of Electric Power Technology (BIXPO 2026)
Event type: Trade show
Application deadline: August 14, 2026
Event date: November 4 to 6, 2026
Location: Gwangju, South Korea
Industry: Infrastructure, Clean technologies, Information and communications technologies
Who should apply: Export-ready Canadian companies in the clean technology, ICT and energy sectors looking to expand into South Korea's power and energy market through partnerships, technology collaboration and other business opportunities.
Canadian Life Sciences Mission to Mexico
Event type: Business delegation
Registration deadline: September 1, 2026
Event date: November 3 to 5, 2026
Location: Mexico City, Mexico
Industry: Life sciences
Who should apply: Innovative Canadian life sciences companies in pharmaceuticals and biotechnology that are looking to explore business partnerships with Mexican companies and organizations
Learn more about Canadian Life Sciences Mission to Mexico
BIO-Europe 2026
Event type: Trade show
Registration deadline: September 15, 2026
Event date: November 9 to 11, 2026
Location: Cologne, Germany
Industry: Life sciences
Who should apply: Innovative Canadian life sciences companies in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and enabling technologies that are actively seeking partnerships, licensing agreements deals, investment, or strategic collaborations in European markets
Learn more about BIO-Europe 2026
health.tech Global Summit
Event type: Trade show
Registration deadline: October 30, 2026
Event date: March 2 to 4, 2027
Location: Basel, Switzerland
Venue: Congress Center Basel
Industry: Information and communications technologies, Life sciences
Who should apply:
- health care stakeholders seeking the latest insights into European markets
- incorporated Canadian healthcare companies and startups who have a finished developed product with a competitive edge looking to expand to Europe
- accomplished first sales and exposure to Canadian partners and customers and demonstrated capacity for and commitment to internationalization
Learn more about the health.tech Global Summit
NATO Edge Summit 2026
Event type: Trade show
Registration deadline: November 1, 2026
Event date: November 17 to 19, 2026
Location: Izmir, Türkiye
Industry: Aerospace, Defence and security, Information and communications technologies
Who should apply: Aerospace and defence companies wishing to do business with Türkiye and NATO
Check back for updates on upcoming trade trainings and webinars.
Global Affairs Canada's Quarterly Economic and Trade Report
Summer 2026
Highlights:
- The Middle East conflict escalated at the end of Q1 2026, increasing global uncertainty and triggering an energy price shock. As a net oil exporter, Canada is expected to face relatively limited impacts, while global GDP growth slowed to 1.9 per cent.
- Global merchandise trade volumes grew 3.5 per cent in Q1 2026, driven by strong demand from China and the U.S., outperforming the 2 per cent growth recorded in Q1 2025.
- Canada’s GDP contracted by 0.1 per cent (annualized) in Q1 2026, marking a technical recession. The decline was mainly due to a surge in imports rather than the Middle East conflict, with indicators suggesting a modest and temporary downturn.
- Canadian exports rose 3.3 per cent in Q1, supported by higher crude oil prices and volumes. While exports to the U.S. increased, its share of Canada’s exports fell to a record low as diversification continued.
- Imports increased 4.2 per cent, largely reflecting record gold imports driven by high prices and strong demand.
- The IMF lowered its 2026 global growth forecast to 3.1 per cent, citing the impact of the conflict, with emerging economies expected to experience the largest slowdown.
State of Trade 2026
The rise of services in Canada’s trade landscape
The rise of services in Canada’s trade landscape examines how services have become a major source of Canada's trade growth, diversification, and economic resilience. The report highlights the expanding role of digitally enabled services, services embedded in goods, and commercial presence abroad, while emphasizing the importance of human capital, digital infrastructure, and strong institutions in supporting Canada's competitiveness in an increasingly uncertain global economy.
Helpful links and information
Industry organizations and business associations
- Automotive Industries Association (AIA) of Canada
- Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association (APMA)
- Canada-Ontario Export Forum (COEF)
- Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB)
- Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME)
- Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers’ Association (CVMA)
- Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium (EMC)
- Food and Beverage Ontario (FBO)
- Global Auto Makers of Canada
- Life Sciences Ontario (LSO)
- Trillium Network for Advanced Manufacturing
Funding opportunities
- Fundica
- Canada Small Business Financing Program
- Business Benefits Finder
- EDC Trade Impact Program
- Government of Canada remission process
- Farm Credit Canada
- Business Development Bank of Canada
- CanExport Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs)
- Ontario Together Trade Fund
- Protect Ontario Financing Program
- Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI)
Business support services
- Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC): browse through their Resources to support businesses in the face of trade uncertainty page
- Export Development Canada (EDC): provides trade insights, financial solutions, insurance, equity, and critical connections to Canadian companies looking to export. Explore their EDC solutions to navigate uncertainty page.
- Halton Region Go Global: A hub of resources and support for local small to medium-sized businesses that are looking to scale up, export and go global.
- Halton Region Small Business Centre Centre - Small Business Recovery Program
- Innovation Factory: Business accelerator for tech innovation businesses in Halton Region and Hamilton. Available to provide support and business guidance in navigating tariff challenges.
- Trade Commissioner Service: offers funding and support programs, international opportunities, and access to their global network of trade commissioners for Canadian businesses
Chambers of Commerce
Stay informed!
- Trade Commissioner Service: Understanding CUSMA compliance
- Trade Commissioner Service: Self-serve resources for problem solving
- Department of Finance Canada: Canada's response to U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods
- Global Affairs Canada: Canada's engagement with the United States
- Trade Commissioner Service: Supporting Canadian exporters through United States tariff challenges
- Global Affairs Canada: Key facts about Canada’s competitiveness for foreign direct investment
- Economic Developers Association of Canada (EDAC): Canada-U.S. Core Facts - Jan 7
- Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC): The impact of potential tariffs: How to get your business ready
- Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB): Canada-U.S. Trade War
- CFIB: Impact of the U.S.-Canada tariff situation on businesses
- Toronto Region Board of Trade: Talking Points: Cross-Border Trade
- BDO: What the next U.S. administration means for Canadian businesses
- Canadian Chamber of Commerce: Which Canadian Cities Are Most Exposed to Trump’s Tariffs?