Canada: International Trade & Investment

Canada's Ambassador to the United States, Mark Wiseman, discusses why international investors are showing unprecedented interest in Canada as an investment destination. He explores the factors driving this momentum...

President Trump has signed three Presidential Proclamations imposing additional 50% tariffs on Canadian products across motor vehicles, dairy, and alcoholic beverages sectors, effective August 19, 2026. Unlike previous measures, these tariffs will apply even to goods qualifying for preferential treatment under CUSMA, marking a significant escalation in U.S.-Canada trade tensions. The proclamations cite Canadian policies as discriminatory, though the tariffs extend far beyond the targeted sectors to include

President Trump has imposed a sweeping 50% tariff on over 550 categories of Canadian goods under Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930, citing discriminatory treatment of U.S. commerce. With the tariffs set to take effect in 30 days unless negotiations yield results, Canadian businesses face significant uncertainty across industries from agriculture to manufacturing, while federal and provincial leaders scramble to coordinate a unified response.

Les entreprises canadiennes qui exercent des activités internationales ou traitent avec des contreparties étrangères s'exposent à des risques criminels en cas de non-respect des sanctions canadiennes. Les violations peuvent entraîner des amendes pouvant atteindre 100 000 $, des peines d'emprisonnement allant jusqu'à dix ans, ou des gels d'actifs. Cet article examine le cadre juridique des sanctions canadiennes, leur portée souvent sous-estimée, et les mesures de confo

Osler's Legislative Update is a bi-weekly listing of new legislation. This issue covers legislation for the period 06/19 to 07/08.

On July 1, 2026, the United States declined to confirm its renewal of the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) during the agreement’s first joint review. While the decision has attracted significant attention, CUSMA remains in force for the remainder of its existing 16-year term, until at least July 1, 2036. Canadian businesses retain the same preferential access to U.S. and Mexican markets as before.

Canada is fundamentally transforming its forced labour import enforcement regime through Bill C-35, shifting the burden of proof to importers and granting expanded powers to border authorities. Chinese investors and businesses with Canadian supply chain exposure face heightened compliance requirements, including mandatory disclosure for flagged goods and accelerated enforcement timelines with limited appeal rights.

Canada has implemented multiple layers of surtaxes targeting aluminum products of Chinese origin, with rates reaching 25% under various orders. These measures can apply even when products are shipped through third countries, and when combined with Anti-Dumping and Countervailing duties, total duties can exceed 180% for certain aluminum goods.

Canada introduces Bill C-35 to prohibit imports of goods produced by forced labour, responding to US criticism and potential tariffs. The legislation empowers customs officers with detention authority and creates a Prohibited List requiring importers to provide prescribed documentation. Will these enhanced enforcement measures satisfy the US Administration and prevent additional trade penalties?