CHINA: An “Agreement-in-Principle”: New Relief Measures…

Following the recent high-level diplomatic mission to Beijing, Canada has pivoted its strategy toward China to address domestic supply shortages.

  • Extended Relief: Remissions for certain Chinese steel and aluminum products in short supply are now extended to the end of 2026. This covers 66 product-specific lines and 49 company-specific lines.
  • Expanded Coverage (New for 2026): Effective March 1, 2026, the government will add 13 new categories to the remission list:
  • 7 Steel products
  • 2 Aluminum products
  • 4 Steel derivative products
  • Retroactive Benefit: These new measures will be retroactive to January 1, 2026.

The formal regulatory text and final product schedules for the 2026 China Surtax Remission Order have not yet been issued; stakeholders should stay tuned for further Customs Notices expected prior to the March 1 implementation date.

Customs Notice 25-05: China Surtax Remission Order

Preliminary Agreement-In-Principle to Address Economic and Trade Issues between Canada and the People’s Republic of China

China Surtax Remission Order

China Surtax Order