Canada Announces the Temporary Extension of Tariff Remission on U.S. Steel, Aluminum, And Other Goods

This short-term extension is part of broader trade measures announced by the Government of Canada in November, which included changes to steel tariff rate quotas.

The Government of Canada has confirmed an extension of tariff remission for certain imports from the United States, including steel, aluminum, and other essential goods.

Tariff remission on these goods was initially scheduled to expire on December 15, 2025.

The extension applies to specific goods used in manufacturing, processing, food and beverage packaging, agricultural production, and public health and safety.  

It is intended to give businesses additional time to adjust supply chains while broader steel and aluminum trade measures take effect.

This announcement follows measures outlined on November 26, 2025, which included the government’s decision to reduce steel tariff rate quotas (TRQs) to 20% of 2024 import levels for non-FTA countries, and 75% of 2024 import levels for non-CUSMA FTA partners.

Scope of the tariff remission extension

Canada has extended the remission of tariffs on specific imports from the United States, according to the following rules and timelines:

Steel goods

For steel goods used in manufacturing, processing, food and beverage packaging, and agricultural production in Canada, the extension is to January 31, 2026.

However, remission for steel goods used in the manufacturing of motor vehicles, aerospace goods, and their parts is extended to June 30, 2026.

Aluminum goods

For aluminum goods used in manufacturing, processing, food and beverage packaging, and agricultural production in Canada, tariff remission is extended until June 30, 2026.

Other goods

For goods used for public health, health care, public safety, and national security purposes, the extension is to June 30, 2026.

Stacking policy for steel and aluminum tariffs

Canada follows a non-stackable policy for steel and aluminum tariffs.

Accordingly, only one tariff measure can apply, in the following order of precedence:

1. Tariffs on steel imports exceeding established tariff rate quotas for non-CUSMA countries
2. Either:

• Tariffs on U.S. steel and aluminum products,
• Tariffs on Chinese steel and aluminum products, or
• Tariffs on non-U.S. imports containing steel melted and poured, or aluminum smelted and cast, in China 

3. Tariffs on steel-derivative products from all countries, effective December 26, 2025
    

At Cole International, we offer customs brokerage services to help Canadian businesses keep their import processes simple, efficient, and compliant. 

If you import steel or aluminum from the U.S. into Canada, reach out to one of our trade professionals to discuss the impact of the tariff remission extension on your business.