Canada Says Tighter Limits on Steel Imports to Take Effect on Dec. 26 ew limits on steel imports into Canada take effect the day after Christmas, the country's finance department said Friday. The limits, aimed at protecting Canada's steel sector amid hefty U.S. tariffs, were revealed in late November. The Department of Finance said they kick in on Dec. 26. Countries that don't have free-trade agreements with Ottawa will be largely shut out from exporting their steel into Canada without facing a 50% tariff. Levels of steel products from those jurisdictions -- among them China, Turkey and Brazil -- will be cut to 20% of 2024 levels, from the previous 50% level unveiled in July. Canada is also limiting imports from countries with free-trade agreements excluding the U.S. and Mexico, to 75% of 2024 levels before a 50% tariff kicks in. U.S. steel has faced a 25% duty since March. Canada is America's largest foreign supplier of steel, and Canadian-made steel faces a 50% duty when entering the U.S.