SECTOR GUIDE · REGIONAL TARIFF RESPONSE INITIATIVE
For smelters, extruders, rolling mills and aluminum fabricators.
Canadian aluminum faces U.S. Section 232 tariffs on primary metal and aluminum products, while Canada's counter-tariffs raise the cost of U.S. aluminum used as an input. RTRI can carry your existing team through the disruption, or fund a project that opens new products and customers.
Free one-on-one consultation. Practical guidance for your business. No obligation to hire us.
Tariff facts checked against official sources on October 29, 2026 • Sources linked below
See all sector guidesHOW TARIFFS HIT THIS SECTOR
Downstream manufacturers often feel aluminum tariffs most. Customers delay orders while prices settle, and U.S. sheet, extrusions or foil cost more to bring in. Remission may be available for some imports, so check before sizing a request.
Tariff measures change often. Each item links to the official source, and rates are as published on October 29, 2026.
Since April 6, 2026, in-scope aluminum and aluminum derivative products pay 10% to 50% on their full value. Products under 15% aluminum content by weight are exempt, and goods made of at least 85% U.S. aluminum pay a reduced 10%.
U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods (Trade Commissioner Service)Since September 8, 2026, Canada applies 25% or 50% to U.S. aluminum products. Unwrought aluminum, bars, rods and profiles, wire, plate and sheet, foil, tubes and structures from the U.S. are listed at 50%.
Complete list of U.S. products subject to counter tariffs (Finance Canada)A 25% surtax has applied to certain Chinese aluminum products since October 22, 2024, and to non-U.S. imports containing aluminum smelted and cast in China since July 31, 2025.
Canada's tariffs on steel and aluminum (Finance Canada)Products made with aluminum, such as furniture or industrial machinery, can also fall under the 50% Section 338 tariff, which now stacks on Section 232 where both apply.
U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods (Trade Commissioner Service)WHO QUALIFIES
Aluminum is one of the sectors hit by Section 232, which is one way to meet RTRI's tariff impact test. Fabricators that mainly feel higher input costs can use the cost-increase test instead.
Retail, local consumer services (such as hotels, restaurants, utilities, healthcare and recreation), oil and gas extraction and construction services are generally not eligible.
Primary aluminum producers. Extruders and rolling mills. Aluminum fabricators, window, door and enclosure makers. Manufacturers using aluminum as a main input.
In at least one of your last two fiscal years, as an incorporated, for-profit business located and operating in the region you apply to.
Assessed through your attestation, financial statements and operating history. Businesses founded after March 21, 2025 are considered case by case.
Meet at least one test: a sector hit by Section 232 or 338 tariffs (directly or as a supplier), 25% or more of revenue from goods ultimately exported to the U.S., or harm from tariffs or the uncertainty they created.
HOW RTRI CAN HELP
Liquidity assistance covers tariff-related cash-flow shortfalls in your existing labour and overhead. Pivot projects fund net-new investment on top of the business you already run. You can apply for either, or both.
Non-repayable support for a tariff-related cash-flow shortfall in the business you already run.
Liquidity is based on 50% of average monthly payroll over the last 12 months, capped at your demonstrated 12-month need and $2M, so it can keep skilled operators and fabricators employed while volumes recover.
Tariffs, customs duties, raw materials, inventory and debt payments are not eligible liquidity costs. Dividends are restricted while liquidity support is in place.
Funding for net-new investment on top of your existing labour, overhead and operations.
Projects need new, incremental costs and measurable results. Land and building purchases, entertainment, vehicles and refinancing are not eligible.
Up to $3M in combined non-repayable support: $2M for liquidity plus $1M for a non-repayable pivot. Total RTRI support, including repayable funding, is capped at $20M per business. The same costs cannot be funded twice.
THE EVIDENCE THAT MATTERS
Tariff impact is what gets assessed. You do not need to attach every business record, but each claim should trace back to one.
Examples of indirect tariff impactWHERE TO APPLY
RTRI is delivered by seven regional development agencies, each with its own process. You apply to the agency for the region where your business operates, and separate requests are needed for employees in more than one region.
Contact CED first; CED assesses eligibility, then sends the form
PacifiCanPacifiCan online portal, stream “BC (PacifiCan) - RTRI-Business”
FedDev OntarioFillable PDF form, submitted from Adobe Acrobat Reader
PrairiesCanDetailed application in the PrairiesCan online portal
ALL REGIONSAll seven regional development agencies
SECTOR QUESTIONS
Practical answers based on the agencies' published RTRI guidance and official tariff sources.
Yes. Aluminum producers, extruders and fabricators can apply to the Regional Tariff Response Initiative through their regional development agency for liquidity support, pivot project funding, or both.
Section 232 tariffs of 10% to 50% on the full value of in-scope aluminum and derivative products since April 6, 2026, with products under 15% aluminum content exempt. Finished goods can also fall under the 50% Section 338 tariff, which now stacks on Section 232.
Yes. Since September 8, 2026, Canada's tariffs on U.S. aluminum are 25% or 50%, with most mill products such as sheet, extrusions and foil listed at 50%. Finance Canada offers remission in specific circumstances.
Yes, if the project is new, incremental and has measurable results. New products, equipment, recycling capacity, automation and market diversification are typical. Projects up to $1M can be non-repayable at up to 50% of eligible costs.
LET'S FIND YOUR NEXT STEP
Tell us what has changed for your business. In a free, one-on-one consultation, we will help you understand your tariff relief funding options and next steps, whether or not you work with us.
Independent advisory by Fundspoke. We are not a government agency. Tariff measures and program terms change often; official sources, your regional agency's current rules and your contribution agreement govern. Your customs broker can confirm how tariffs apply to your products.