On April 2, 2025, President Trump announced sweeping global tariffs targeting non-USMCA-compliant imports. While Canada and Mexico were granted exemptions from these retaliatory measures, this preferential treatment applies only to goods that qualify under the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA).
For Canadian manufacturers exporting to the United States, this is a critical moment. If your goods do not meet USMCA requirements, you are now at risk of being hit with new duties—up to 25 percent in some cases. That margin hit could significantly impact your ability to compete.
What Should Canadian Manufacturers Do Now?
If your business is not already aligned with USMCA requirements, taking immediate action is essential. Here is how to get started:
- Determine if your product qualifies
Review the USMCA Rules of Origin to confirm that your goods meet regional content thresholds. Many industrial and consumer goods must contain a minimum percentage of materials or value originating from North America to qualify. - Complete a Certification of Origin
This document must include nine required data points, including a description of the goods, origin criteria, and details for the exporter, producer, or importer. It does not require a specific format and can be included on a commercial invoice or another shipping document. - Retain supporting documentation
Keep clear records for at least five years in case customs authorities request verification of your compliance. - Provide the certification to your U.S. customers
U.S. importers must have this documentation on hand at the time of entry to claim duty-free treatment under USMCA.
Promoting Your USMCA Compliance
There is no official registry or central government “certification” under the USMCA. Instead, companies that meet the criteria and complete the proper documentation must self-certify and take the lead in communicating their compliance. Once aligned:
- Add “USMCA-Compliant” language to your website, product pages, and sales materials
- Include origin claims on commercial invoices and packing slips
- Train your customer-facing teams to use USMCA compliance as a strategic advantage
- Proactively share the Certification of Origin with your U.S. customers to reduce delays and build trust
While the process is decentralized, the benefit is clear: your products remain tariff-free, and your supply chain remains competitive.
Where Cedric Millar Can Help
At Cedric Millar, we support Canadian manufacturers in building smarter, more resilient supply chains. Our integrated 4PL services and modular solutions — including Beacon Analytics, Lighthaus TMS, and Echelon — equip clients to:
- Gain end-to-end visibility across North American operations
- Optimize freight planning and execution for lower landed costs
- Streamline data gathering, documentation workflows, and business intelligence to support trade readiness
- Stay agile in the face of global policy and trade disruptions
In a climate where uncertainty is the only constant, Cedric Millar helps manufacturers not just respond—but get ahead.
Act Now
USMCA compliance is no longer a formality—it is a front-line strategy to protect your margins, avoid costly delays, and secure your position in the U.S. market.
If you are uncertain about your current status or are looking to build a more compliant and cost-effective cross-border supply chain, our team can help you assess readiness, optimize your transportation strategy, and support your documentation and data visibility needs.
