Top Trade Takeaways from Canada's Budget 2025
The Budget sets the stage for a more resilient and closely monitored trade environment, combining increased funding for CBSA enforcement with major infrastructure investment and support for key industries.
The Government of Canada released its Budget 2025, outlining a strategic shift in Canadian trade policy.
The Budget introduces a new industrial strategy that is designed to transform the Canadian economy by strengthening domestic industries and diversifying international trade partners.
The new policy will have an impact on Canadian importers, with increased focus on compliance and expanded support for key industries.
Key measures detailed in Budget 2025 include:
A key feature of Budget 2025 is the introduction of over $25 billion in support for workers and businesses that are affected by U.S. tariffs and global trade disruptions.
As part of Canada’s new industrial strategy, measures will be taken to protect key sectors, such as the automotive, steel and aluminum, forestry, and agricultural industries.
The Budget also projects an additional $4.4 billion in tariff revenue.
Budget 2025 provides $617.7 million over five years, starting in 2025–2026, to the CBSA to enhance its capacity to detect and intercept illicit goods, enforce import measures, and strengthen Canada’s trade remedy system.
This investment complements the $1.3 billion Border Plan that was announced in December 2024.
Together, these two measures will enable the CBSA to hire up to 1,000 new officers to reinforce Canada’s border integrity and ensure fair trade practices.
Budget 2025 also proposes a total of $6 billion for new investments in Canada’s transportation infrastructure.
This includes a $5 billion Trade Diversification Corridors Fund that will be administered by Transport Canada over a seven-year period, starting in 2025–2026.
The fund will support port, rail, airport, and digital infrastructure projects that expand capacity, strengthen supply chains, and unlock new trade opportunities.
Additionally, $1 billion over four years is proposed to be allocated to establish a new Arctic Infrastructure Fund, which will support transportation development in Canada’s North and include airports, seaports, all-season roads, and highways.
As part of this infrastructure plan, the CBSA will collaborate with Public Safety, Transport Canada, and Global Affairs Canada to identify additional ports for container imports and exports.
With significant investments in enforcement and trade infrastructure on the horizon, importers must adopt a proactive approach to compliance.
Recommended next steps include:
At Cole International, we provide customs and compliance consulting and customs brokerage services to help you navigate changing regulations and streamline the importing of your goods into Canada.
Reach out to one of our trade professionals to discuss the impact of Budget 2025 on your business and ensure compliance with CBSA requirements.