Update: Campobello Island exemption
The federal government has granted a special exemption to residents of Campobello Island from previous tariff countermeasures. Campobello is uniquely positioned as it is only accessible by road via the United States year-round.
Read moreAfter months of threats, the U.S. administration imposed additional tariffs on dozens of countries on April 2, 2025. While Canada did not receive any new tariffs that day, the previously announced tariffs remain. This includes tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminum, automobiles and goods not covered under the Canada United States Mexico free trade agreement (CUSMA).
The actions of the U.S. administration are and will continue to impact the global economy, including our economy here at home. There continues to be uncertainty about what may or may not happen next. This is not the time to let our guard down.
The Government of New Brunswick continues to collaborate with the federal government and our Canadian counterparts to protect New Brunswick and Canada. On April 16, 2025, the governments of New Brunswick and Ontario signed a memorandum of understanding on free trade and labour mobility. The signing commits both jurisdictions to enhance direct-to-consumer alcohol sales and improve interprovincial labour mobility. It will also encourage the free flow of goods, services and investment, all while maintaining and strengthening public safety.
On March 4, 2025, the province outlined their four-pillar response plan, which includes:
Establishing supports to New Brunswickers
Learn about supports and resources available for workers impacted by tariffs.
Providing relief for New Brunswick businesses
Learn about the resources and supports available to New Brunswick businesses.
Breaking down interprovincial trade barriers
Learn how we are improving interprovincial trade across Canada.
Promoting “NB Made” products and services
Enjoy all New Brunswick has to offer with quality products made for you.
These actions come in addition to measures that were previously announced, which included removing U.S. alcohol from the shelves at NB Liquor, signing no new contracts with American companies, reviewing internal trade barriers and working with the other Atlantic provinces to find new markets for items traditionally exported to the United States, such as seafood and lumber.
A tariff is a tax or duty imposed by a government on an imported or exported good. When used appropriately, it can be both an important source of revenue for a government and a tool to protect domestic industries from foreign competitors. Tariffs increase the price of imported goods into a country, making them less competitive compared to alternatives.
Canada is the largest buyer of U.S. goods and services and buys more U.S. goods than China, Japan, France, and the United Kingdom combined. The relationship between New Brunswick and the U.S. is important for both parties, and we need to keep it strong and open.
New Brunswick businesses are understandably worried about the effects these tariffs may bring. The longer these tariffs stay in place, the more likely our economy will suffer lasting damage.
Canada's response to U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods
The Government of Canada has a comprehensive plan to fight back against the unjustified U.S. tariffs imposed on Canadian goods while supporting Canada's interests, industries, and workers.
Canada's engagement with the U.S.
The Government of Canada is providing resources and solutions to help you manage the potential effects of the evolving Canada-United States relationship.