Ontario expands trade relief programs for exporters affected by new U.S. tariffs

What is happening

• The province will expand eligibility for two trade-support programs: the Protect Ontario Financing Program (POFP) and the Ontario Together Trade Fund (OTTF).
• Expanded eligibility applies to the specific exports targeted by recent U.S. measures, and it becomes effective on the same days the U.S. actions take effect.

Who this affects

• Exporters and businesses in sectors facing U.S. trade actions, and workers in those industries.

Key dates and measures (from the release)

• Sept. 15: Additional 50% tariffs on certain steel, aluminum and other metal products; mattresses, furniture, paper products, motorboats and golf carts; certain dairy and specialty cheese products; and selected animal skins and leather products.
• Sept. 29: Import bans affecting most Canadian alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, cider, spirits and other liquor products), certain dairy-related products including whey products, and motorcycles with engine capacities exceeding 800cc.

Why it matters

• The program expansions link financial and trade-support eligibility directly to the timing of U.S. trade measures, aiming to protect jobs and businesses in affected export sectors.

Covered product groups (as listed in the release)

• Steel, aluminum and other metal products
• Mattresses and furniture
• Paper products
• Motorboats and golf carts
• Certain dairy and specialty cheeses
• Selected animal skins and leather products
• Most alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, cider, spirits)
• Certain whey and dairy-related products
• Motorcycles with engine capacity over 800cc