FAQs

A tariff is an additional cost imposed by a country on imported goods. Tariffs are usually paid to governments by importers or buyers of those goods.   

President Trump is threatening to impose import tariffs on goods shipped from Canada and into the United States.

Since the U.S. and Canadian economies are highly interconnected, U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods (and retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods) will likely increase the cost of everyday goods, from groceries to vehicles. These higher costs would affect both Canadian and American consumers on both sides of the border.

U.S. tariffs could also lead to widespread job losses in trade-exposed sectors, if the cost of producing goods in Canada (for the U.S. market) becomes more expensive. For Unifor members, this could mean potential layoffs, reduced hours, and economic uncertainty.

Job losses is high-wage, trade-exposed sectors could also put stress on government finances in Canada, threatening cuts to public services, the exact services that people rely on in times of crisis.

Unifor is advocating for a united Canadian response to U.S. tariffs, and to defend Canada’s sovereignty.  The union regularly meets with employers and government officials at the federal, provincial, and municipal levels, and is monitoring the impact of tariffs on workplaces closely. Unifor is also pushing government to respond strongly and strategically, to keep businesses and jobs in Canada, to consider big and bold ideas to protect and build Canada’s economy, and demanding effective worker support programs.

National President Lana Payne speaks up for members as an appointee to the Prime Minister’s Council on Canada-U.S. Relations and a member of the industry-led Canada U.S. Trade Council.

All Canadians can take the pledge to buy made in Canada goods. Sign up today to take the pledge and receive a link to Unifor Made Products and Services.  

When you’re shopping, check for Made in Canada labels. For vehicles, a VIN starting with the number 2 means your car was made in Canada.

No. This is a false claim by President Trump.  

Trump is referring to the United States trade deficit with Canada, which is not a subsidy. The export of needed oil and energy from Canada account for the majority of the trade deficit. A 2025 report by the National Bank of Canada illustrates that, except for Canadian oil and gas exports, America sells more in Canada than Canada sells to the U.S.  

Trump showed just how important those energy exports are when he threatened a 25% tariff on all goods but a 10% tariff on just those energy imports. Canada has leverage, and we’ve shown we’re willing to use it.