No new tariffs for retailers on imports from the UK after January 1, 2021
December 23, 2020
The Government of Canada has reached an agreement with the United Kingdom to ensure that tariff benefits currently afforded to eligible imports from the UK under the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) are available to retailers operating in Canada after the current agreement expires on January 1, 2021. Canada issued a customs notice to this effect on December 22, 2020 which is intended to remain in effect until the new Canada-UK Trade Continuity Agreement enters into force which is expected early in 2021.
RCC advocated strongly on behalf of our members to ensure an agreement was reached before January 1, 2021 to make sure retailers can easily continue importing goods with no new tariffs or paperwork.
Imports from the UK of such products as food, beverages, electronics and pharmaceuticals are key for retailers operating in Canada. Canada’s trade with the UK had a value of $29 billion in 2019, making it Canada’s fifth-largest trading partner, after the United States, China, Mexico, and Japan.
