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Canada’s retaliatory tariffs on US goods

Canada’s retaliatory tariffs on US goods

Canada imposes retaliatory tariffs of 15%, 25%, or 50% on over 700 US-origin products, effective September 8, 2026.

The United States has placed tariffs on Canadian goods. In response, Canada is applying retaliatory tariffs on specified US-origin products, effective 12:01 a.m., September 8, 2026.

In effect since September 8, 2026

Canada’s retaliatory tariffs took effect at 12:01 a.m. on September 8, 2026. Goods already in transit on that date are exempt.

Status at a glance (last updated September 8, 2026):

  • Current status: In effect as of 12:01 a.m., September 8, 2026
  • Tariff rates: 15%, 25%, or 50%, depending on the product — each rate matches the corresponding US rate on the same good under Section 338 or Section 232
  • Applies to: Over 700 US-origin products, across sectors including steel, aluminum, dairy, appliances, agricultural equipment, pulp and paper, plastics, electronics, seafood, cheese, clothing, cosmetics, toilet paper, alcoholic beverages, textiles, tech products, and toys
  • Scope: In the tens of billions of dollars — estimates vary by source (see below)
  • Origin rule: Based on country of origin, not ship-from location — the same rule as the US’s Section 338 tariff on Canadian goods
  • Steel and aluminum: Existing counter-tariff increases from 25% to 50%, matching the new US rate — a rate increase on an existing tariff, not a new or stacked one
  • Automotive: Existing counter-tariff on US-made vehicles continues to apply, unchanged — not part of the new tiered list
  • In-transit goods: Exempt if already in transit as of September 8, 2026

What Canada’s retaliatory tariffs cover 

Canada applies one of three tariff rates to each covered product — 15%, 25%, or 50% — matching the rate the United States applies to the equivalent Canadian good under Section 338 or Section 232.

The product list covers more than 700 US-origin products, across sectors including steel, aluminum, dairy, appliances, agricultural equipment, pulp and paper, plastics, electronics, seafood, cheese, clothing, cosmetics, toilet paper, alcoholic beverages, textiles, tech products, and toys.

This guide doesn’t reproduce the product list or specific HS codes inline — see the official Canada Department of Finance product list on canada.ca for the complete, current list and applicable HS codes.

Estimates of scope vary

Sources differ on the total value of trade affected. Canada’s Finance Minister has cited a figure near USD $20 billion; other reporting citing the Canada Department of Finance product list context puts the figure closer to USD $27.6 billion. Affected trade is in the tens of billions of dollars.

Country of origin determines coverage 

Coverage is based on the country of origin of the good — where it was made — not where it ships from. This is the same rule the US applies under its Section 338 tariff on Canadian goods.

Steel, aluminum, and automotive: existing tariffs, not new ones 

Two categories sit outside the new 15/25/50 tiered list — they’re handled through Canada’s existing tariff actions rather than as part of this action.

  • Steel and aluminum: Canada’s existing counter-tariff on US steel and aluminum increases from 25% to 50%, matching the new US rate. This is a rate increase on the existing tariff, not a separate or stacked tariff.
  • Automotive: Canada’s existing counter-tariff on US-made vehicles continues to apply, unchanged by this action. It is not part of the new tiered list.

Timing: what triggers the tariff 

Canada’s retaliatory tariffs apply to covered goods as of 12:01 a.m. on September 8, 2026.

In-transit exemption

Goods already in transit on September 8, 2026 are exempt.

What this means for your shipments 

If you sell or ship US-origin goods into Canada, check the following:

  • Whether the product appears on the Canada Department of Finance product list, and which of the three rate tiers (15%, 25%, or 50%) applies
  • The confirmed country of origin of the product, as distinct from where it ships from
  • Whether the product is steel, aluminum, or a motor vehicle — those are handled under Canada’s existing tariff actions, not the new tiered list
  • Whether the shipment was already in transit as of September 8, 2026, since in-transit goods are exempt

At 12:01 a.m. on September 8, 2026.

More than 700 US-origin products, across sectors including steel, aluminum, dairy, appliances, agricultural equipment, pulp and paper, plastics, electronics, seafood, cheese, clothing, cosmetics, toilet paper, alcoholic beverages, textiles, tech products, and toys. See the official Canada Department of Finance product list on canada.ca for the complete list and applicable HS codes.

15%, 25%, or 50%, depending on the product — each rate matches the rate the US applies to the equivalent Canadian good under Section 338 or Section 232.

Estimates vary by source. Canada’s Finance Minister has cited a figure near USD $20 billion; other reporting citing the Canada Department of Finance product list context puts the figure closer to USD $27.6 billion. Affected trade is in the tens of billions of dollars.

Country of origin — where the good was made — not where it ships from.

No. Steel and aluminum are covered by Canada’s existing counter-tariff, which increases from 25% to 50% to match the new US rate — a rate increase, not a new or stacked tariff. Canada’s existing counter-tariff on US-made vehicles continues to apply, unchanged by this action.

No. Goods already in transit on September 8, 2026 are exempt.

Primary sources 

  • Canada Department of Finance product list, canada.ca
Disclaimer

This guide is for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal or customs advice. Consult a licensed customs broker or trade attorney for product-specific determinations.

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