On April 8, 2025, the U.S. government announced a 90-day pause on its previously announced “reciprocal” global tariffs, reducing them to a 10% baseline—except for China, whose tariffs have now increased to 145%. This pause does not affect Canada: a 25% U.S. tariff still applies to non-CUSMA-compliant goods, including coffee exported from Canada, and Canada’s own 25% retaliatory tariff on U.S. goods (including coffee) remains in effect. The Coffee Association of Canada will continue monitoring and updating members on these developments.
Members can access additional details in the
Member Portal.
The Government of Canada is offering support to businesses impacted by global trade pressures through the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI), part of the federal $6.5 billion tariff response strategy. Administered by Canada’s Regional Development Agencies (RDAs), the RTRI provides $450 million in funding to help companies manage trade disruptions—particularly in the steel and automotive sectors, though it may also be relevant for other industries, including coffee, depending on evolving trade pressures. The program offers targeted, time-sensitive funding to boost productivity, lower costs, strengthen supply chain resilience, and expand access to new markets. The goal is to help Canadian businesses remain competitive in the face of tariffs and shifting trade dynamics.
On July 10, 2025, the federal government announced the extension of key temporary Employment Insurance (EI) measures to support workers affected by U.S. tariffs and related economic uncertainty. The adjustments, originally set to expire July 12, will now remain in effect until October 11, 2025.
Learn more.Key EI Measures:
- Reduced hours requirement: Workers can qualify for regular EI benefits with no more than 630 hours.
- Extended benefit period: Up to four additional weeks of entitlement available.
- Waived waiting period: One-week waiting period temporarily waived for all claimants (regular, special, fishing).
- Severance flexibility: Separation payments (e.g., severance) do not delay benefit access.
- Adjusted unemployment rates: Regional EI unemployment rates have been increased by 1 percentage point, with a minimum floor of 7.1% and a cap of 13.1%.
Over 290,000 workers are expected to benefit from these changes.
Work-Sharing Program Flexibility:
- Additional flexibilities introduced to help more businesses and employees avoid layoffs.
- As of June 28, over 700 Work-Sharing Agreements have been signed, covering nearly 27,200 workers and helping prevent 10,200 layoffs.
These measures are part of the government’s broader effort to support Canadian workers and businesses during ongoing trade negotiations with the U.S.
Direct Imports of Green Coffee into Canada
Green coffee beans imported directly into Canada from origin countries—including Brazil, Colombia, and Vietnam— remain subject to a 0% duty on importation into Canada.
Re-Exporting Green Coffee to the U.S. (Unprocessed):
If green coffee is imported into Canada and re-exported to the U.S. without processing (e.g., remains unroasted), the U.S. will apply tariffs based on the original country of origin, not Canada. This means that there will be a 10% tariff as of April 5 replaced by higher tariffs as of April 9.
Re-Exporting Green Coffee that Has Been Roasted or Processed in Canada:
If green coffee is roasted in Canada before being exported to the U.S., under the U.S. IEEPA tariff structure, those become “products of Canada” and are subject to the 25% U.S. tariff that has been in place since March. This tariff remains in effect until reviewed, at which point adjustments may be considered for items not covered under CUSMA.
The CUSMA does not require that the exporter, producer or importer certifying the origin of the goods use a particular template or form. Instead, the certification could be set out in writing on any kind of commercial document, including an invoice, so long as it contains the following minimum data elements:
Language
English, French or Spanish.
Information about the Exporter (if different from the certifier)
Provide the exporter’s name, address (including country), e-mail address, and telephone number if different from the certifier.
The address of the exporter must be the place of export of the good in a CUSMA Party’s territory.
Note, this information is not required if the producer is completing the certification of origin and does not know the identity of the exporter.
Information about the Producer (if different from the certifier or exporter)
Provide the producer’s name, address (including country), e-mail address, and telephone number.
If there are multiple producers, state “Various” or provide a list of producers.
A person that wishes for this information to remain confidential may state “Available upon request by the importing authorities”.
The address of a producer must be the place of production of the good in a Party’s territory.
Information about the Importer (if known)
The importer’s name, address, e-mail address, and telephone number.
The address of the importer must be in a Party’s territory.
Description of the Goods
The description should be sufficient to relate it to the good covered by the certification.
HS Tariff Classification (6-digit level)
Include the tariff classification of the good covered by the certification to the 6-digit (sub-heading) level.
Origin Criteria
Specify the origin criteria under which the good qualifies, as set out in Article 4.2 of CUSMA.
Time Period of Certification (if blanket)
If the certification is for a blanket period, state the period during which the certification is applicable (cannot exceed 12 months from the date of certification).
Invoice Number (if single shipment)
If the certification of origin covers a single shipment of a good, indicate, if known, the invoice number related to the exportation.
Authorized Signature and Date
The certification must be signed and dated by the certifier and accompanied by the following statement:
“I certify that the goods described in this document qualify as originating and the information contained in this document is true and accurate. I assume responsibility for proving such representations and agree to maintain and present upon request or to make available during a verification visit, documentation necessary to support this certification.”
