Tracking tariff developments and resources for BC local government finance professionals. Last updated April 30, 2026.
U.S. tariffs continue to reshape the economic landscape for local governments in British Columbia. Higher tariffs on materials like steel, aluminum, lumber, and automobiles are driving up infrastructure and procurement costs, while trade restrictions are creating uncertainty across key industries and putting pressure on local tax revenues and budgets.
This page tracks key developments and provides resources to help local government finance professionals navigate the ongoing trade environment.
Last updated: April 30, 2026
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Key Developments
April 28, 2026 — The U.S. Trade Representative held a public hearing on Section 301 investigations involving Canada and other countries. Outcomes will inform any additional targeted tariffs in the coming months. (Reed Smith Tariff Tracker)
April 20, 2026 — U.S. Customs and Border Protection launched the CAPE refund processing system. Importers of record who paid IEEPA tariffs on non-CUSMA goods between February 4, 2025, and February 24, 2026, may now be eligible to file refund claims. (CFIB)
April 10, 2026 — The U.S. Court of International Trade heard oral argument in Oregon v. Trump and Burlap & Barrel, Inc. v. Trump, two cases challenging the Section 122 tariffs. A ruling is expected within weeks. (Reed Smith Tariff Tracker)
April 6, 2026 — A revised Section 232 proclamation took effect, raising tariffs on core steel, aluminum, and (newly added) copper articles to 50%, with certain derivative goods at 25%. Tariffs now apply to the full value of imported goods rather than only the metal content, with a 15% de minimis exemption. The expansion materially increases costs for infrastructure materials. (PwC Canada)
March 24, 2026 — Canadian industries hit by targeted U.S. tariffs (steel, lumber, cabinets) report running at reduced capacity as the trade war enters its second year. The Canada Wood Products Alliance is pushing the federal government for safeguard measures against surging imports from other countries blocked from the U.S. market. (BNN Bloomberg)
March 12, 2026 — The U.S. Trade Representative initiated Section 301 investigations into multiple countries, including Canada, regarding the enforcement of forced labour import bans. Public comments were due April 15, with a hearing held April 28. (Reed Smith Tariff Tracker)
March 6, 2026 — Canada-U.S. trade talks resumed for the first time since October 2025, with Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc meeting U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in Washington. The talks are expected to fold into CUSMA renegotiations, with a formal review due July 1, 2026. (CBC News)
March 5, 2026 — The governments of Canada and British Columbia announced a $70.4 million partnership to support tariff-impacted workers through WorkBC, including retraining, upskilling, and employment assistance for workers in affected industries and communities. (Canada.ca)
February 24, 2026 — Following the Supreme Court ruling, President Trump issued a new executive order imposing a 10% tariff on goods from all countries under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, with exemptions for certain products. (Tax Foundation)
February 20, 2026 — The U.S. Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) does not authorize the President to impose tariffs. This struck down the original tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China imposed under IEEPA authority, as well as the "reciprocal" tariffs on other countries. (Holland & Knight)
February 17, 2026 — B.C. Budget 2026 was tabled amid ongoing tariff uncertainty. The budget includes $50 million for forestry to navigate tariff challenges, a new $400 million Strategic Investments Special Account, and measures to support affected industries. (B.C. Budget 2026)
February 12, 2026 — The U.S. House of Representatives voted 219–211 to end tariffs on Canadian goods, with several Republicans crossing party lines. The bill still requires Senate approval and faces a likely presidential veto. (Al Jazeera)
August 1, 2025 — A 35% tariff on Canadian goods took effect after being announced by President Trump in July 2025. (Tax Foundation)
April 16, 2025 — UBCM Executive responds to the U.S.-Canada trade war. (UBCM)
March 4, 2025 — B.C. launches its tariff response hub with resources for businesses and workers. (Province of B.C.)
February 2025 — KPMG webinar on urgent tariff implications for businesses in B.C. (GFOABC)
Resources
Canada-U.S. Trade Hub (CFIB) — includes Work-Sharing program details and provincial response tracker
U.S. Tariff Overview: Questions, Findings and Considerations (GFOABC)
Canada's Response to U.S. Tariffs (Government of Canada)
B.C.'s Response to Unjustified U.S. Tariffs (Province of B.C.)
U.S.–Canada Tariffs: Timeline of Key Dates and Documents (Blakes)
Canada Tariff Finder — Find applicable tariffs on products
Tariff Tracker: 2026 Trump Tariffs & Trade War by the Numbers (Tax Foundation)
What to Watch
Section 122 Court Challenge: The Court of International Trade is expected to rule shortly on cases challenging the 10% Section 122 tariff. A ruling against the administration could mirror the Supreme Court's IEEPA decision and unwind the tariff before its 150-day period ends on or around July 23, 2026.
CUSMA Review (July 1, 2026): The formal review of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement begins. Recent statements from U.S. trade officials suggest the review may be more contentious than anticipated, with Canada and Mexico now being handled on separate bilateral tracks. Tariff treatment, rules of origin, and digital trade are central issues.
Section 301 Outcomes: With the public comment period (closed April 15) and hearing (April 28) complete, the USTR is expected to issue findings in the coming months that could lead to additional targeted tariffs.
Steel, Aluminum & Copper (Section 232): The April 6 expansion to 50% on core articles — plus the shift to full-value calculation — is a material cost driver for capital projects. Canada's temporary remission on select U.S. steel and aluminum inputs still extends to June 30, 2026, but local governments should review procurement contracts and capital plans for exposure.