SECTOR GUIDE · REGIONAL TARIFF RESPONSE INITIATIVE
For fish and seafood processors and exporters in Atlantic Canada, Quebec and B.C.
China maintains tariffs on most Canadian fish and seafood, and its suspension for lobster and crab runs only to the end of 2026. Several regional agencies' RTRI guidance names Chinese tariffs alongside U.S. tariffs and Canadian counter-tariffs, and processors that export heavily to the U.S. can also use RTRI's 25% export test.
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
Show sales to China by species and product before and after March 2025, and keep a record of buyer cancellations. If more than a quarter of revenue comes from U.S.-bound product, document that share too.
Tariff measures change often. Each item links to the official source, and rates are as published on October 29, 2026.
China imposed a 25% tariff on certain Canadian fish and seafood in March 2025. As of June 2026, tariffs on fish and seafood other than lobster and crab remained in place.
Bilateral agricultural trade with China (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, June 2026)China suspended its tariffs on Canadian lobster and crab from March 1, 2026 to the end of 2026.
Renewed market access with China (Global Affairs Canada, March 2026)Since September 8, 2026, Canada applies 50% to U.S. plastic packing articles and to paper cartons and boxes.
Complete list of U.S. products subject to counter tariffs (Finance Canada)WHO QUALIFIES
Processors are manufacturers. CED's criteria name China tariffs directly; ACOA's and PacifiCan's RTRI pages focus on U.S. tariffs and Canadian countermeasures, so discuss Chinese tariff impacts with your agency.
Retail, local consumer services (such as hotels, restaurants, utilities, healthcare and recreation), oil and gas extraction and construction services are generally not eligible.
Fish and seafood processors. Shellfish packers. Frozen and value-added seafood producers. Seafood exporters.
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, up to $2M non-repayable and capped at your demonstrated need. Where an agency averages the last 12 completed months, seasonal plants benefit from the averaging.
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.
MyACOA Client Portal, after talking to your nearest ACOA office
CEDContact CED first; CED assesses eligibility, then sends the form
PacifiCanPacifiCan online portal, stream “BC (PacifiCan) - RTRI-Business”
ALL REGIONSAll seven regional development agencies
SECTOR QUESTIONS
Practical answers based on the agencies' published RTRI guidance and official tariff sources.
Seafood processors that meet the criteria, including $1M+ in revenue and a documented tariff impact, can apply to the Regional Tariff Response Initiative through ACOA, CED, PacifiCan or their regional agency.
ACOA's RTRI page refers to U.S. tariffs, Canadian countermeasures or countervailing duties and the uncertainty tariffs create, without naming China. Discuss Chinese tariff impacts with ACOA, and document other routes such as U.S. export share or higher input costs.
China suspended its tariffs on Canadian lobster and crab from March 1, 2026 to the end of 2026, according to Global Affairs Canada. Tariffs on other fish and seafood remained in place as of June 2026.
Yes. Liquidity is based on 50% of average monthly payroll, capped at your demonstrated need and $2M. Ask your agency how it averages payroll for seasonal operations.
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.