Exporting to the United States: Resources for navigating uncertainty

The United States, with a population of 340 million people and more than 20% share of the global economy, is the richest market in the world. It’s also Canada’s largest trading partner, accounting for more than 70% of our exports.

The U.S. is a prime market for Canadian companies due to its proximity, strong consumer demand, business-friendly environment, familiar culture and our integrated supply chains.

While the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) continues to provide preferential market access, shifting U.S. trade policies, including sectoral tariffs, have created a more challenging trading environment than in previous years.

Build trade resilience with support from EDC

Export Development Canada (EDC) is here to help you navigate uncertainty and succeed in the U.S. and other global markets. For 80 years, we’ve stood by your side, offering the market insights, connections and financial tools you need to fuel your international expansion.

Through the EDC Trade Impact Program, we’ve bolstered this commitment by facilitating an additional $5 billion in support over two years for eligible companies across a range of products to help you navigate the current economic challenges.

New to EDC? Take a quick assessment to see how we can support your business.

Already an EDC customer? Contact your EDC relationship manager, or call us at 1-800-229-0575.

Additional U.S tariff support for Canadian businesses and workers is available through the Government of Canada and our Team Canada Trade partners.

We’ll be updating this page to reflect any new developments in the market that may impact your business. Please check back regularly for new resources and information or receive personalized insights directly to your inbox.

Understanding U.S. tariffs and regulations

How tariffs impact Canadian exporters

• Navigating tariffs and customs regulations
• What are tariffs and how do they impact international trade?
• A checklist for exporters: Preparing your business for tariffs
• Canada Tariff Finder: Quickly get tariff information for specific products and countries
• Tariffs FAQ: What Canadian businesses need to know
• How Canadian tariffs on U.S. goods may affect your business in 2025
• Navigating the U.S. steel and aluminum tariffs
• Tariffs continue to squeeze North American economies
• EDC Trade Confidence Index shows exporters navigating uncertainty
• Canada’s engagement with the United States : Quick facts

What is the outlook for the global economy?

• Article: North American outlook: Resilience amid political, economic shifts
• Resources: EDC Economics - Connecting Canada to the world

Understanding CUSMA and CUSMA compliance

• Article: Complying with CUSMA rules of origin
• Article: De minimis rule suspended: Impact on Canadian exporters
• Article: NAFTA to CUSMA: What you need to know about Canada-U.S. free trade agreements
• Need help with CUSMA compliance? Call Service Canada’s dedicated support line at 1‑833‑760‑1167.

Rules of origin explained

• Article: Understanding rules of origin: An overview for Canadian exporters
• Article: Made in Canada: Understanding certificates of origin
• Article: Certifying the origin of goods (Canada Border Services Agency)

Managing risk in the U.S. market

How can I make my supply chain more resilient?

• Webinar: Managing supply chain risks in 2025
• Article: Optimizing supply chains to mitigate risks of global trade
• Article: Compliance & logistics: What you don’t know could cost you

How can I protect my business against volatile currencies? 

• Article: How to manage FX risk before it impacts your profits
• Webinar: Protect your profits from currency risk
• Guide: How to make your FX hedging strategy work smarter

How can I expand my business through mergers and acquisitions?

• Article: How cross-border M&A is evolving under U.S. uncertainty
• Webinar: Unlock new markets with mergers & acquisitions
• Checklist: Assess your company’s readiness for mergers and acquisitions in 2025
• Article: Growing your business through mergers and acquisitions
• Article: Reaching global success with mergers and acquisitions | EDC

How can my business explore market diversification?

• Article: 3 ways to use the U.S. as a springboard to global markets 
• Guide: Trade diversification: A key strategy for exporters
• Webinar: Key markets for strategic trade diversification
• Article: Manage risk through market diversification
• Webinar: Planning for expansion in a changing global market

Questions about exporting to the U.S.?

• Export Help Hub: Find answers to the latest questions about the US market.
• Have a question about exporting? Ask the Export Help Team

Insights from our alliances and partners

EDC works with a wide array of partners and financial institutions, within Canada and abroad, to support Canadian exporters. We’re an integral part of Canada’s trade team that works together to support Canadian companies throughout their export journey.

See what support is available for your business.

• Business Development Bank of Canada’s Pivot to grow loan offers up to $2 million in financing to help Canadian businesses affected by U.S. tariffs. In addition, Trade resilience provides expert advice and resources to help businesses navigate trade uncertainty.
• Canada.ca: Visit the Export from Canada page, your one stop shop for export essentials
• Canadian Chamber of Commerce: Visit the Canada-US trade tracker, a new tool designed to illustrate the ties between our two economies
• Find new commercial opportunities with foreign governments on international markets with Canadian Commercial Corporation’s Global Bid Opportunity Finder
• Department of Finance: Canada's response to U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods
• Farm Credit Canada (FCC) provides financial flexibility and expert advice with its Trade Disruption Customer Support Program to help the agriculture and food industry navigate these challenges.
• Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) helps you find and take advantage of the government services you need to expand or scale up your business in Canada and around the world. Check out the Business Benefits Finder to get a tailored list of government programs and services for your business
• The Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) offers tailored export advisory services, funding, qualified business contacts, accelerator programs and support at trade events, provided by our on-the-ground network in 160+ cities worldwide. Learn how to diversify your exports and succeed in global markets
  • Supporting Canadian exporters through United States tariff challenges
  • Understanding CUSMA/USMCA compliance