SECTOR GUIDE · REGIONAL TARIFF RESPONSE INITIATIVE
For copper and wire producers, cable makers and electrical and electronics manufacturers.
Copper and copper products fall under the U.S. Section 232 metals tariffs, and electronics and ICT products were added to the 50% Section 338 tariff in August 2026. Canada's counter-tariffs cover U.S. copper wire, insulated wire and cable and many electronics, so the impact can run in both directions.
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Tariff facts checked against official sources on October 29, 2026 • Sources linked below
See all sector guidesHOW TARIFFS HIT THIS SECTOR
Show which of your products are on the U.S. lists and what share of sales goes to the U.S. If you buy U.S. wire or components, add the cost increase after September 8, 2026.
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 copper and copper derivative products pay 10% to 50% on their full value. Products under 15% copper content by weight are exempt, and goods made of at least 85% U.S. copper pay a reduced 10%.
U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods (Trade Commissioner Service)Since August 22, 2026, a 50% tariff with no CUSMA exemption covers Canadian electronics and ICT products, and since September 15, 2026 it stacks on Section 232 where both apply.
U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods (Trade Commissioner Service)Canada applies 50% to U.S. copper wire, 25% to U.S. insulated wire and cable, 50% to U.S. phones and monitors and 25% to many U.S. household appliances.
Complete list of U.S. products subject to counter tariffs (Finance Canada)WHO QUALIFIES
Copper, wire and electrical makers qualify as manufacturers in sectors hit by Section 232 and Section 338. Show which products are in scope and how sales and costs changed.
Retail, local consumer services (such as hotels, restaurants, utilities, healthcare and recreation), oil and gas extraction and construction services are generally not eligible.
Copper rod, wire and tube producers. Wire, cable and harness makers. Electrical equipment and component makers. Electronics and ICT manufacturers.
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 covers 50% of average monthly payroll over the last 12 months, up to $2M and capped at your demonstrated need, to keep skilled teams in place.
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
FedDev OntarioFillable PDF form, submitted from Adobe Acrobat Reader
PacifiCanPacifiCan online portal, stream “BC (PacifiCan) - RTRI-Business”
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. Copper, wire, cable and electrical manufacturers can apply to the Regional Tariff Response Initiative through their regional development agency for liquidity support, pivot project funding, or both, if they meet the eligibility criteria.
Under Section 232, in-scope copper and copper derivative products pay 10% to 50% on their full value since April 6, 2026, with products under 15% copper content exempt. Electronics and ICT products also face the 50% Section 338 tariff.
Yes. Since September 8, 2026, U.S. copper wire is listed at 50% and insulated wire and cable at 25%. Finance Canada offers remission in specific circumstances.
New, incremental projects with measurable results, such as capacity for Canadian utility and energy customers, new products, automation and certifications for new markets.
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.