March 6 Tariff Update from EFC

March 7, 2025

In February, EFC’s Government Relations Committee and EFC’s Board of Directors met to develop a position for EFC in response to tariffs imposed on Canada by the United States government. Board members agreed that maintaining free trade or securing an exemption for Canadian and American electrical products, would be the favourable outcome for all EFC members, ensuring the continued prosperity of our thriving industry.

However, if Canada is unable to secure an exemption for electrical products, EFC board members came to an agreement that Canada should adopt a fair-trade approach to protect Canadian businesses and jobs by applying retaliatory tariffs. Matching tariffs product by product will level the playing field for companies exporting to the US from Canada and whose products now have a 25% tariff applied.

EFC submitted our industry position to Finance Canada on Friday, February 28 along with an initial list of electrical and automation HS codes. View the letter

Government of Canada’s Response

The Canadian government has responded to the 25% tariff on all Canadian exports to the US with an initial list of retaliatory tariffs (25%) on US imports into Canada. This published list went into effect March 4, 2025, and includes lighting products.

The Canadian government has issued a notice of intent for implementation of a second round of tariffs and is seeking consultation on imposing tariffs on $125 billion in imports of additional goods in this Table. This second round of tariffs will be subject to a 21-day comment period prior to implementation. Consultation closes March 25, 2025.

EFC staff will be reaching out to confirm the HS codes relevant to EFC members. Clarifying the relevant codes will enable EFC’s statistical department to generate data relevant to our members and the ability to assess any future developments on tariffs.

Industry Links

UPDATE: Trump delays tariffs for all USMCA-compliant goods for both Mexico and Canada | Reuters

Canada announces robust tariff package in response to unjustified U.S. tariffs – Canada.ca

List of products from the United States subject to 25 per cent tariffs effective March 4, 2025 – Canada.ca

Related Articles


Latest Articles

  • Intermatic Acquired by MPE Partners

    Intermatic Acquired by MPE Partners

    May 19, 2025 By David Gordon, Channel Marketing Group, President The Intermatic deal is done. It has been rumored for months that Intermatic was being sold. Strategic buyers and private equity firms were mentioned as expressing interest and reviewing “the book” throughout the fall (and some mentioned even last summer.) According to sources, it was a “challenge” for… Read More…

  • 6 Things Contractors Need To Know About the Security Kit for Wire Mesh Tray

    6 Things Contractors Need To Know About the Security Kit for Wire Mesh Tray

    May 19, 2025 The rapid expansion of data centers has brought about significant challenges in maintaining data security standards. According to Statistics Canada, recovery costs from cyber security incidents in 2023 were $2.1 billion, up from $600 million in 2021. This critical situation requires a more robust cable management design to protect data from being… Read More…

  • NSAA Information on Potential Canada Post Strike

    NSAA Information on Potential Canada Post Strike

    May 19, 2025 In case of a possible Canada Post mail disruption: Source Read More…

  • How to do Business with ESA During a Canada Post Disruption

    How to do Business with ESA During a Canada Post Disruption

    May 19, 2025 The Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) is reminding stakeholders that they can continue to do business during a postal strike and ensure they meet their compliance obligations. This includes applications for inspection, LEC and ME licence renewals and payments.  Online Is Your Best Option  ESA has several options for LECs and MEs to… Read More…


Changing Scene

  • Catalyst Sales and Marketing Announces New Partnership with MGM Transformers

    Catalyst Sales and Marketing Announces New Partnership with MGM Transformers

    May 19, 2025 Catalyst Sales and Marketing is proud to announce a new line partnership with MGM Transformer Company, a recognized provider of dry-type and liquid-filled transformers for commercial, industrial, and infrastructure applications. With over 50 years of expertise, MGM delivers custom-engineered, reliable, and energy-efficient solutions designed to meet the demands of data centers, renewable… Read More…

  • Intermatic Acquired by MPE Partners

    Intermatic Acquired by MPE Partners

    May 19, 2025 By David Gordon, Channel Marketing Group, President The Intermatic deal is done. It has been rumored for months that Intermatic was being sold. Strategic buyers and private equity firms were mentioned as expressing interest and reviewing “the book” throughout the fall (and some mentioned even last summer.) According to sources, it was a “challenge” for… Read More…

  • Production Underway at Shawflex’s New Vaughan Manufacturing Facility

    Production Underway at Shawflex’s New Vaughan Manufacturing Facility

    May 19, 2025 Shawflex Facility Update! Shawflex announced via LinkedIn that production is officially underway at their new manufacturing facility in Vaughan. “While final steps are in progress and on track, our start to production is a testament to the seamless planning, coordination, and dedication of our incredible team. This milestone marks a major step forward… Read More…

  • EFC Welcomes New Manufacturer Member: Valid Manufacturing Ltd.

    EFC Welcomes New Manufacturer Member: Valid Manufacturing Ltd.

    May 19, 2025 Since 1992, Valid Manufacturing Ltd. has built their reputation as a world class innovator. By focusing on exceptional quality and service, they have developed strong relationships with renowned industry leaders. With four modern production facilities spanning over 100,000 sq. feet, Valid has the capacity and proven track record to tackle any project… Read More…