Dear AMBA Members,
As many of you already know, Pre-Engineered Metal Buildings (PEMBs) imported from the United States are subject to a 25% retaliatory tariff imposed by the Canadian government. This tariff, part of Canada’s response to U.S. trade actions, has direct implications for procurement, pricing, and project planning within our sector.
These imports fall under the tariff classification code 9406.90.90, which you can find in the full list of affected products on the Government of Canada website:
🔗 Complete list of U.S. products subject to countermeasures
We encourage members to consult this list for further details, particularly when sourcing building components from U.S. suppliers.
Understanding Tariffs
To help demystify these trade measures, the Government of Canada offers a clear primer on how tariffs work and why they are implemented. In essence, tariffs are duties or taxes applied to imported goods, often used as a tool in trade disputes to counterbalance economic impacts or to respond to unfair trade practices.
In the case of Canada-U.S. relations, these retaliatory tariffs are designed to counter the tariffs that were imposed by the United States. You can read more at:
🔗 Canada-U.S. Engagement and Tariff Information
Support for Canadian Businesses and Workers
The Government of Canada has also pledged support for those impacted by these trade measures, including manufacturers and construction firms. Programs are in place to provide financial assistance, encourage innovation, and promote Canadian alternatives to U.S.-sourced components.
Key supports include:
Strategic Innovation Fund: Investing in Canadian manufacturing.
Job support and retraining programs.
Market diversification initiatives to reduce reliance on U.S. imports.
More information is available here:
🔗 Support for Canadian Businesses and Workers
Tax Relief Measures
If your business is affected by these tariffs, tax relief options are available through the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). These measures help businesses offset additional costs and maintain operations without sacrificing growth.
Highlights include:
Waivers or reductions of interest and penalties.
Flexible payment arrangements for duties owed.
Access to tax advisors through the CRA to help navigate eligibility.
To learn more, please visit:
🔗 Tax Relief for Businesses Affected by Tariffs
Thank You for Your Continued Support
At AMBA, we understand the challenges these tariffs pose to our industry. We are committed to advocating on behalf of our members and providing timely updates on regulatory and trade issues. We thank each of you for your continued membership and engagement.
Together, we will continue to strengthen Alberta’s metal building sector—resilient, informed, and ready to adapt.
Sources:
Government of Canada: Complete List of Tariffed U.S. Products
Global Affairs Canada: Canada-U.S. Engagement
Department of Finance Canada: Support for Canadian Businesses and Workers
Canada Revenue Agency: Tax Relief for Businesses
Sincerely,
James Purdy
