Canada remains ‘exempt’ from Trump’s 10% global reciprocal duty
What’s happening?
After conflicting reports, Canada’s ambassador to the U.S. confirmed the country is still “exempt” from the 10-per-cent global reciprocal duty that President Donald Trump announced on “Liberation Day.”
Scott Bessent, Trump’s treasury secretary, created confusion on April 9 when he told reporters outside the White House that Canadian imports would also be subject to the blanket levy.
The clarification comes as the president authorized a 90-day pause on “some” reciprocal duties and hiked levies on Chinese goods.
NEW TRUTH SOCIAL FROM PRESIDENT TRUMP:
🇨🇳125% TARIFF ON CHINA
🌎90-DAY PAUSE & LOWERED 10% RECIPROCAL TARIFF FOR OTHER COUNTRIES🚨EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY pic.twitter.com/Gt5Bd6276m
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) April 9, 2025
SEE ALSO
• U.S. trade war could cost Canada 160K jobs in Q2 2025, report warns
• Canada unveils suite of business relief measures amid U.S. trade war
• What’s Ontario doing to support businesses amid sweeping U.S. duties?
Canadians concerned about widespread layoffs
Sweeping U.S. duties have already led to substantial workforce reductions across Canada.
🚨 KNOW YOUR RIGHTS! Check out our comprehensive blog on how U.S. tariffs could affect non-unionized employees in Canada. You can also use our free Pocket Employment Lawyer to get real-time insights on your workplace rights.
Why Samfiru Tumarkin LLP?
At Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, we’ve helped over 50,000 clients secure fair severance packages — recovering millions of dollars for non-unionized employees across Canada.
With extensive experience representing workers in roles at small businesses and large organizations across various industries, our team provides the expertise you need to navigate your termination effectively.
SEE ALSO
• Should I negotiate my own severance package in Ontario?
• What Albertans need to know about negotiating severance
• Negotiating severance in B.C.: What employees need to know
WATCH: Understand the difference an experienced employment lawyer can make in certain situations.
We specialize in assisting non-unionized employees in Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia — ensuring rights are fully protected.
In addition to employment law, our firm handles disability claims and personal injury cases.
Call 1-855-821-5900 today or request a consultation online.
⛔ UNIONIZED? You must consult your union representative regarding termination, severance pay, and other workplace issues. These matters are governed by your collective bargaining agreement. By law, employment lawyers can’t represent unionized employees with these issues.
Disclaimer: The materials provided in this article are for general informational purposes only and DO NOT constitute legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, please consult a legal representative at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP.
About the Author
Lior Samfiru
Lior Samfiru is a Founding Partner at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP and the Practice Leader of the firm’s Labour & Employment Law Group. Known for his advocacy and success representing both employees and employers, Lior exclusively serves clients in Ontario, where his extensive experience has made him one of Canada’s most sought-after employment lawyers.
More about Lior SamfiruRelated Posts
Probation Period in Ontario: What Employees Need to Know
There’s no automatic probation in Ontario. Learn how contracts and ESA rules affect your right to severance - even during the first…
Donald Trump Doubling Steel Duties Despite Canadian Retaliation
The US president said he was considering a 15% increase, until industry executives asked him to make it 25%.
Trump Tariffs Canada: Layoffs, Severance, and Employee Rights (2025 Guide)
Trump's tariffs have already led to major layoffs in Canada. Understand your rights to severance if you lose your job.