On November 26th, the PMO “… announced measures to help transform the Canadian steel and softwood lumber industries …,” including: 

• “Canada will tighten the tariff rate quota levels for steel products from non-free trade agreement (FTA) partners from 50% to 20% of 2024 levels;” 
• “For non-CUSMA partners with which we have an FTA, Canada will reduce tariff rate quota levels for steel products from 100% to 75% of 2024 levels;” 
• “Canada will impose a global 25% tariff on targeted imported steel-derivative products such as wind towers, prefabricated buildings, fasteners, and wires;”  
• “Canada will also toughen our border measures to combat foreign steel dumping …”; and 
• They will be implementing a “… Buy Canadian Policy later this year, which requires that all contracts worth over $25 million prioritise Canadian materials – including steel and lumber. This will also apply across federal grants and contributions programs.” 

UDI and other BC business organizations have raised concerns about the transportation costs of moving steel and other materials from Central Canada to British Columbia when tariffs were increased in the past. The Government stated in the press release that they “… will work with railway companies to cut freight rates for transporting Canadian steel and lumber interprovincially by 50%, beginning in Spring 2026.” UDI will continue to monitor the impact of the tariffs and the promised transportation measures.