Trade & Tariff Resource Centre

The Coffee Association of Canada actively advocates on behalf of Canada’s coffee sector and is committed to helping members navigate evolving tariff and trade issues. Through ongoing engagement with government, legal counsel, and industry partners, we provide members with timely, clear updates and alerts to help manage the impact of changing trade policies.

Tariff Updates

July 6, 2026: Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement — Annual Review Process & Emerging Uncertainty

The U.S. decision to move away from automatically extending CUSMA and instead require annual reviews has introduced a new layer of uncertainty into North American trade relations.

Key developments:

  • The United States has opted not to proceed with a 16-year extension of CUSMA at this stage, instead triggering a framework of ongoing annual reviews of the agreement.
  • In response, the Canadian government is actively seeking clarity on how the revised review process will operate and what it means for future negotiations.
  • Despite the change in posture, CUSMA remains fully in force and is scheduled to remain active until 2036, unless otherwise renegotiated.

Implications and considerations:

  • The shift increases policy and trade uncertainty, particularly around long-term investment planning and cross-border supply chains.
  • Key areas of sensitivity include rules of origin, automotive production, steel and aluminum trade, and digital trade measures, which have been recurring points of tension.
  • While tariff-free access for most goods remains intact under the current agreement, the new review structure could create more frequent leverage points for renegotiation or dispute.

Canadian position:

  • Canada continues to emphasize the importance of stability, predictability, and trilateral cooperation within the agreement.
  • Officials are maintaining engagement with U.S. and Mexican counterparts to better define how the review mechanism will be applied in practice.

Bottom line:
CUSMA is not being terminated, but the shift to annual reviews signals a more fluid and potentially more contentious trade environment going forward, with increased emphasis on ongoing negotiation rather than long-term certainty.

Apr. 30, 2026: US Tariff Refunds: Eligibility and Implications for Canadian Stakeholders

The United States has launched a tariff refund program following court rulings that certain Trump-era tariffs were unlawful. As a result, billions of dollars in duties are being reimbursed through a formal claims process administered by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Who Can Apply and Where
Refund claims must be submitted through the U.S. Customs system via the CAPE portal within the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE).
Only the importer of record that directly paid the tariff at the U.S. border is eligible to apply.
Eligible applicants include:
  • U.S. importers that paid the tariffs
  • Customs brokers acting on behalf of the importer

Refunds are being processed in phases and are expected to take approximately 60 to 90 days once approved.

Apply here (ACE Portal): https://ace.cbp.gov/s/login/?ec=302&startURL=%2Fs%2F

Implications for Canadian Companies
Canadian companies are generally not eligible to apply directly unless they were the importer of record.
A Canadian business may benefit if:
  • It acted as the importer of record into the U.S. (for example, through a U.S. entity or subsidiary), or
  • It has a commercial agreement where a U.S. importer passes through the refund
However:
  • Canadian exporters without importer of record status cannot apply directly
  • Consumers and downstream businesses are not eligible
Canadian Coffee Sector Considerations
Eligibility within the Canadian coffee sector is limited and case specific:
  • Companies, or their U.S. affiliates, that imported coffee into the U.S. and paid tariffs directly may be eligible
  • Where a U.S. distributor acted as importer of record, that entity must file the claim, not the Canadian exporter
For more details, read the update on the member portal

Apr. 6, 2026: 2026 Future Tariff Predictions and Refund Update

The U.S. trade policy environment remains dynamic and, at times, unpredictable. The Trump administration may pursue additional tariffs across multiple sectors, potentially like measures previously implemented under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). Section 301 investigations are also ongoing into countries with excess manufacturing capacity or insufficient enforcement against forced labour, with Canada among those under review. Key decisions on potential tariffs are expected around the July expiration of current 150-day Section 122 measures.
For more details, read the update on the member portal

Feb. 24, 2026: Tariffs Update

As referenced in our Member Alert issued Friday, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) exceeded U.S. presidential authority. Subsequently, President Trump issued a Proclamation under Section 122 of the U.S. Trade Act of 1974 establishing a temporary import surcharge framework.
For more details, read the update on the member portal

Feb. 21, 2026: Tariffs Update

On Friday, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) exceeded US presidential authority. This includes the 10% “reciprocal” tariffs and the fentanyl-related levies applied to certain non-CUSMA/USMCA-compliant Canadian goods including Coffee. As a result, the legal basis for those IEEPA-based tariffs has been invalidated, removing the legal foundation for those specific measures that affected cross-border trade into the U.S. from Canada.
For more details, read the update on the member portal

Nov. 15, 2025: U.S. Coffee Tariff Clarification

Yesterday, U.S. President, Donald Trump, announced an executive order removing a number of food-related tariffs that had previously been applied to imports entering the United States. The announcement specifically included coffee.
For more details, read the update on the member portal

Oct. 31, 2025: U.S. Senate on Canadian Tariffs

On October 30, 2025, the U.S. Senate voted to revoke the emergency authority under which former President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on Canadian imports. The resolution, which passed with bipartisan support, represents a significant rebuke of the tariff policy but is largely symbolic at this stage.
For more details, read the update on the member portal

Oct. 27, 2025: U.S. Tariff Increase on Canadian Coffee and Related Products

On October 25, 2025, the U.S. government announced a 10 % increase in tariffs on Canadian goods, which will be added on top of the current tariffs already in place. This specifically affects products such as roasted and packaged coffee, as well as other key Canadian exports to the U.S.
For more details, read the update on the member portal

Sep. 10, 2025: Tariff Changes Affecting U.S. Coffee Imports

Last Friday, the Department of Finance released an updated and complete list of U.S. products that were previously subject to Canadian counter-tariffs, with changes coming into effect as of September 1.
For more details, read the update on the member portal

Aug. 25, 2025: Official Statement from the Prime Minister’s Office

On August 22, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that Canada will remove all CUSMA-related tariffs on U.S. goods starting September 1, 2025, while maintaining tariffs on strategic sectors like steel, aluminum, and autos as discussions continue.
For more details, read the update on the member portal

Aug. 1, 2025: U.S. Tariff Increase of Canadian Imports

On August 1, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a significant escalation in trade measures against Canada, raising tariffs from 25% to 35% on a broad range of Canadian exports not covered under the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA).
For more details, read the update on the member portal

Jun. 2, 2025: U.S. Tariffs Court Ruling Update

We want to update you on a key development regarding U.S. tariffs on coffee that could affect Canadian businesses trading with the U.S. May 28, 2025 Ruling.
For more details, read the update on the member portal

Apr. 9, 2025: Tariffs Update

On April 8, 2025, the U.S. government announced a 90-day pause on previously announced “reciprocal” global tariffs aimed at matching or exceeding the import duties other countries place on American exports.
For more details, read the update on the member portal

Apr. 3, 2025: Tariffs Update

As of April 2, 2025, President Donald Trump has officially announced the implementation of global reciprocal tariffs. Canadian goods under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) are exempt from these new tariffs. To benefit from USMCA, products must meet specific rules of origin set out in the agreement.
For more details, read the update on the member portal

Mar. 19, 2025: Understanding the USMCA Exception

The Coffee Association of Canada is advocating for the coffee industry, monitoring developments and providing regular updates to our members about tariffs. Here is some information, provided by our trade lawyer partner from Bennett Jones, that may help members better understand the USMCA exception.
For more details, read the update on the member portal

Mar. 13, 2025: USMCA Rules of Origin & Coffee Tariffs

On March 6, 2024, just two days after a 25% tariff was imposed on most imports from Canada and Mexico, the White House announced a temporary suspension of the tariffs starting March 7. However, this exemption applies only to goods that meet the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) rules of origin.
For more details, read the update on the member portal

Mar. 10, 2025: Tariff Update

It has been a dynamic week in North American government announcements and the CAC is following this closely. There are a number of updates we wanted to share with our member audience at this time.
For more details, read the update on the member portal

Mar. 4, 2025: Tariff Update

At midnight last night, President Trump’s long-threatened 25 percent tariffs on all Canadian and Mexican products, except 10 percent on Canadian energy products, began. In response, Prime Minister Trudeau announced a 25 percent retaliatory tariff on American goods.
For more details, read the update on the member portal

Feb. 5, 2025: Tariffs on Hold for 30 Days

On February 3, 2025, Canada and the United States agreed to delay the imposition of our respective tariffs on imported goods. A 30-day pause on U.S. tariffs was announced and has been extended to March 1
For more details, read the update on the member portal

Feb. 3, 2025: List of U.S. Products Subject to 25% Tariffs (Effective Feb. 4, 2025)

The Trump administration announced a 25% US tariff on all Canadian imports, set to take effect on Tuesday at 12:01 a.m. In response, the Canadian government has swiftly imposed a retaliatory 25% tariff on U.S. imports coming into Canada.
For more details, read the update on the member portal

Jan. 4, 2025: Tariff Update January 2025

CAC working aggressively to address tariff concerns, engaging with federal and provincial leaders, collaborating with U.S. counterparts, and advocating in Washington.
For more details, read the update on the member portal

Resources Q&A

Certifying the Origin of Goods Under CUSMA

What does it mean for goods to be “CUSMA compliant”?

Goods that meet the rules of origin under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) are considered CUSMA compliant and may qualify for lower duty rates or exemptions from U.S. tariffs.

How do I determine if my goods qualify under CUSMA?

  1. Identify the correct tariff classification for your goods.
  2. Check the applicable rule of origin:
    • Wholly obtained (e.g., mined or harvested in Canada)
    • Product-specific rules, such as:
      • Tariff shift (a change in tariff classification from inputs to final product)
      • Value content (a percentage of the good’s value must be from North America)
      • Process requirement (specific processes must occur in North America)

Who can certify the origin of goods?

The exporter, producer, or importer can certify the origin. A specific form isn’t required—any commercial document (e.g., invoice) is acceptable if it includes required information.

What information must be included in a CUSMA Certification of Origin?

  • Certifier’s name, title, and contact details
  • Exporter, producer, and importer info (if different and known)
  • Description of the goods
  • 6-digit HS tariff classification
  • Origin criteria
  • Time period of certification (for blanket coverage, max 12 months)
  • Invoice number (if applicable)
  • Authorized signature and this 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…”

How long should I keep records supporting origin?

  • Under CUSMA: 5 years from the date of certification
  • Under Canadian law: 6 years

Where can I get help classifying goods or certifying origin?

Members are encouraged to consult with a trade compliance specialist or contact Canadian customs authorities for guidance.

Minimum Information Required 

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.”
More Resources

Support for Canadian businesses affected by U.S. tarrifs

Canada announces new support for Canadian businesses affected by U.S. tariffs

EDC Trade Impact Program

Helping Canadian exporters and their suppliers manage trade uncertainty.

EDC Trade Impact Program

Steps to Apply

BDC Pivot Grow Loan

Providing up to $2M in funding for businesses adapting to trade-related challenges.

Pivot to Grow Loan

Steps to Apply

FCC Trade Disruption Customer Support Program

Offers new loans and credit for agriculture businesses facing export disruptions.

Trade Disruption Customer Support Program

Steps to Apply
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