SECTOR GUIDE · REGIONAL TARIFF RESPONSE INITIATIVE
For mould makers, tool and die shops, and fixture and gauge builders.
Tool, die and mould makers build what other manufacturers need to launch a product. When tariffs make automotive and consumer programs uncertain, new tooling orders are often the first to be delayed or cancelled. RTRI can fund the gap, and an investment that widens your customer base.
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
Tooling work is lumpy, so show the pattern clearly, with the quotes and programs that were active before the tariff dates and what happened to them after. Customer notices that mention tariffs are the strongest support.
Tariff measures change often. Each item links to the official source, and rates are as published on October 29, 2026.
The U.S. applies 25% to autos and trucks, exempting only the U.S. content of CUSMA-compliant vehicles, and to auto parts that are not CUSMA-compliant. Program decisions at automakers and suppliers affect tooling orders.
U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods (Trade Commissioner Service)Section 338's 50% tariff covers Canadian plastics, industrial machinery and other manufactured goods, with no CUSMA exemption.
U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods (Trade Commissioner Service)Canada applies 15% to U.S. moulds and mould bases and 15% to U.S. interchangeable tools, plus 25% or 50% to many U.S. steel products.
Complete list of U.S. products subject to counter tariffs (Finance Canada)WHO QUALIFIES
Tool, die and mould makers usually qualify as suppliers to tariff-impacted manufacturers. The application should name the customers and programs affected and show the timing.
Retail, local consumer services (such as hotels, restaurants, utilities, healthcare and recreation), oil and gas extraction and construction services are generally not eligible.
Injection and blow mould makers. Tool and die shops. Fixture, jig and gauge builders. Die-cast and stamping tool makers.
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.
Mould and tool shops depend on experienced toolmakers. Liquidity covers 50% of average monthly payroll over the last 12 months, up to $2M, while the order book refills.
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.
Fillable PDF form, submitted from Adobe Acrobat Reader
CEDContact CED first; CED assesses eligibility, then sends the form
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. Mould makers and tool and die shops 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.
It can. RTRI accepts lost or delayed revenue and customers caused by tariffs or the uncertainty they created, including as a supplier to an affected exporter. Document the programs, dates and the customer's explanation.
Yes, through a pivot project, if it is new, incremental and has measurable results, such as entering new tooling markets or lowering costs. Projects up to $1M can be non-repayable at up to 50% of eligible costs.
Liquidity assistance is non-repayable, up to $2M. Pivot projects up to $1M can be non-repayable; larger pivot projects receive interest-free repayable funding at up to 75% 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.