Tariff Support and Export Resources

Invest Barrie offers advisory services and programs to strengthen business competitiveness, improve trade resilience, and support long-term economic growth in the region. Our team is here to support your business by:

• Increasing targeted outreach to our business community to understand tariff impacts
• Providing updated information, tools, and resources related to provincial and federal response
• Exploring new global trade opportunities to support local companies in diversifying markets
• Supporting supply chain localization by promoting local capabilities through our business directory and overall opportunities to buy Canadian
• Continuing to leverage our existing sister city relationships in European markets to identify business and trade opportunities

Additionally, the Trade Commissioner Service offers a range of tools and resources to Canadian exporters to assist in navigating tariff-related services.

Recently announced U.S. tariff changes may affect Canadian exporters. While the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) continues to protect tariff-free access for most qualifying goods, additional measures now apply to select products.

Effective September 8, 2026, the Government of Canada implemented dollar-for-dollar retaliatory tariffs on selected U.S. goods. The counter-tariffs apply to $27.6 billion in U.S. imports and target sectors including steel, dairy, appliances, agricultural equipment, pulp and paper, plastics and electronics. 

Full list of affected products

Beginning October 29, small and medium-sized businesses located in Simcoe County can access support in developing and executing their international growth strategies through the Trade Accelerator Program (TAP). Delivered by the City of Barrie with funding from the Province of Ontario, TAP provides participating businesses with training, mentorship, and customized export strategies through a partnership with the Toronto Region Board of Trade and in collaboration with the City of Orillia, and County of Simcoe. 

Participants will gain:

• Expert guidance from trade commissioners, export advisors, logistics specialists, legal professionals, and international business experts.
• A customized export plan tailored to your company's growth goals.
• Practical market-entry strategies to reduce risk and improve export success.
• Access to a valuable network of mentors and industry experts that participants can continue to leverage following completion of the program.

Whether you are already exporting or exploring international markets for the first time, TAP provides the tools, connections, and expertise needed to develop a clear path to global growth. These tools will help you to access additional supports following the program, including access to professional service providers, Trade Commissioner Service, and other tailored supports. There is no cost to participate and spaces are limited.

Learn more + apply

How we can Help Your Business

Our team is available to provide support to help your business navigate tariff-related challenges. Invest Barrie can provide:

• One-on-one business consultations tailored to your industry 
• Connections to key trade organizations and government partners

If you have any questions, concerns, or need extra resources and support, our team is here to help. Don’t hesitate to reach out at (705) 728-9850 or invest@barrie.ca—we’re committed to providing the guidance and assistance you need.

Now more than ever, it is important to see Canadian businesses unite around a cause that matters to every Canadian: enhancing our nation’s competitiveness and resilience. The Ontario Chamber of Commerce and Barrie Chamber of Commerce continue to drive advocacy to address tariff threats and support Ontario businesses. When businesses collaborate and prioritize local suppliers, they build a resilient network that can better withstand economic challenges.

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Ontario Made Series

If you are a Barrie business looking to highlight your products and gain province-wide exposure, register for the Ontario Made series and showcase your business on a platform that celebrates local manufacturers.  

This is a fantastic opportunity to reach a broader audience and promote your "Made in Ontario" products.

The Invest Barrie team has compiled a range of valuable resources from provincial, national, and international experts to help businesses navigate this shifting landscape. These insights provide key perspectives on the current trade environment and potential impacts on businesses like yours.