Canadian Government Updates Tariff Rate Quotas (TRQ) on Imports of Certain Steel Goods

Effective December 26, 2025, Canada will reduce the TRQs for steel imports that were originally established by the Order Imposing a Surtax on the Importation of Certain Steel Goods. These changes arise from recent government trade measures announced on November 26, 2025, to support the Canadian steel industry and manage global steel market pressures.  

The Government of Canada has revised the tariff rate quotas that apply to specified steel products listed under Item 82 on the Import Control List (ICL).  

 

Key Updates: 

• For countries without a free trade agreement (non-FTA partners), tariff rate quotas volumes will be reduced from 50% to 20% of 2024 import levels.   

• For countries with a free trade agreement (non-CUSMA FTA partners), TRQs will be reduced from 100% to 75% of 2024 import levels. 

These revised TRQs will apply to all relevant steel goods subject to the surtax order, except goods originating in Canada, the United States, or Mexico (CUSMA partners).  
 

What This Means for Importers 

• TRQs establish the quantity of goods that may be imported into Canada without facing an additional surtax.  

• • Once a quota is filled, imports above that quantity may be subject to a 50% surtax. 

• Importers should anticipate lower tariff-free quota limits starting December 26, 2025. 

• If import volumes exceed the updated TRQ amounts during a quota period, a 50% surtax may apply to additional quantities imported beyond the quota.  

• Shipment-specific import permits issued by Global Affairs Canada are required to access quota volume without incurring surtax.  
   
   

Action Required: 

• Review your current and planned steel import volumes to assess exposure to the revised TRQs. 

• Apply for shipment-specific permits well in advance of cargo arrival dates. 

• Monitor quota usage and publicly available TRQ utilization reports. 

 

To view the utilization data for steel tariff rate quotas (TRQs) which were established on June 27, 2025, please see here.  

 

Delmar Services & Support     

Delmar is available to assist importers with related questions or through our Customs Advisory Services. We will continue to provide pertinent updates as they become available.   
 

For additional information and assistance, please contact your local Delmar Representative.