Canada to Impose New Counter-Tariffs on U.S. Goods Effective September 8, 2026
Published Aug. 25, 2026
Key Points
- Canada will impose new counter-tariffs on $27.6 billion of imports from the U.S., effective at 12:01 a.m. on September 8, 2026.
- Affected goods will be subject to 15%, 25%, or 50% tariffs, depending on the applicable product and matching U.S. tariff rate.
- The measures cover products targeted by U.S. Section 338 and Section 232 tariffs.
- Affected sectors include steel, dairy, appliances, agricultural equipment, pulp and paper, and electronics.
- The counter-tariffs apply to U.S.-origin goods that meet Canada’s country-of-origin rules for marking purposes.
- U.S. goods already in transit to Canada on September 8 will not be subject to the new countermeasures.
- Canada’s Department of Finance has published a detailed list covering hundreds of tariff items, which importers should review alongside the Canadian Customs Tariff.
The
Government of Canada has announced new counter-tariffs on selected goods imported from the United States in response to U.S. tariff measures affecting Canadian products. Effective September 8, 2026, at 12:01 a.m., Canada will impose tariffs of 15%, 25%, and 50% on specified U.S.-origin goods. The measures cover products targeted by U.S. Section 338 and Section 232 tariffs and affect approximately $27.6 billion in U.S. imports. Canadian importers may review the government’s list of products subject to the new counter-tariffs at the tariff-item level.
New Counter-Tariffs Effective September 8
The new measures will take effect at 12:01 a.m. on September 8, 2026. Canada will apply tariff rates of 15%, 25%, or 50% to specified products, with the applicable rate based on the corresponding U.S. tariff rate for the affected goods.
The measures follow the U.S. decision to impose a 50% tariff on $27.6 billion of Canadian goods effective August 22, 2026. The Government of Canada says it will match the applicable U.S. Section 338 tariffs dollar for dollar.
Which Products and Sectors Are Affected?
The counter-tariffs target products in sectors affected by U.S. tariff measures, including:
- Steel
- Dairy products
- Appliances
- Agricultural equipment
- Pulp and paper
- Electronics
The detailed government list identifies individual products by Canadian tariff item, HS heading, product description, and applicable tariff rate. The published list includes hundreds of tariff items, so importers should review the specific classification of each affected product rather than relying only on broad product categories.
The published list includes products such as certain fish and seafood, beauty and personal care products, paper products, clothing, and cooking appliances, among other goods. Applicable rates vary by tariff item.
U.S. Origin Determines Applicability
The new counter-tariffs apply only to goods originating in the United States.
For these measures, Canada considers goods to originate in the U.S. when they qualify to be marked as goods of the United States under the Determination of Country of Origin for the Purpose of Marking Goods (CUSMA Countries) Regulations.
Importers should therefore verify the origin of affected goods in addition to reviewing their tariff classification.
Goods in Transit Receive an Exemption
The countermeasures do not apply to U.S. goods that are in transit to Canada on the day the measures take effect.
Importers with shipments moving between the U.S. and Canada around September 8 should retain documentation that supports the shipment’s status and timing.
Existing U.S. Counter-Tariffs Continue
The new measures do not replace Canada’s other existing counter-tariffs on U.S. goods. The Government of Canada has confirmed that existing counter-tariffs, including those covering U.S. automobiles, remain in place. Canada’s tariff remission framework also remains available for requests for exceptional relief.
Review the Tariff Item and Customs Tariff
Canada’s published product list must be read together with the applicable Schedule to Canada’s Customs Tariff. The government states that the tariff-item information establishes the scope of the listed products.
Canadian importers should review:
- The tariff classification of affected U.S.-origin goods.
- The applicable counter-tariff rate.
- The origin of the goods.
- Shipments scheduled to arrive around September 8.
- Documentation supporting tariff classification and origin.
- The potential effect of the additional tariffs on import costs.
The Canada Border Services Agency will provide additional administrative information through its Customs Notices as details become available.
What Canadian Importers Should Watch
The September 8 implementation creates an important cutoff for businesses importing affected U.S.-origin goods. Importers should confirm whether their products fall under one of the listed tariff items, verify the applicable rate, and assess shipments that may be affected by the effective-date and in-transit rules.
Because the measures apply at the tariff-item level, importers should not rely solely on broad product categories when determining whether a counter-tariff applies. The specific Canadian tariff classification and origin of each product should guide the assessment.
How GHY Can Help?
GHY specializes in helping businesses navigate and reduce the impacts of tariffs through strategic solutions tailored to their needs. Our experts can audit your supply chain to identify inefficiencies, uncover cost-saving opportunities, and ensure compliance with evolving trade regulations. We also employ tariff engineering techniques to optimize product classification and sourcing strategies, minimizing duty exposure and maximizing profitability.
By partnering with GHY, your business gains access to the tools and expertise needed to streamline operations and stay competitive in a challenging trade environment.
Contact Us Today! Booking a Meeting, email consult@ghy.com, or call +1 (800) 667-0771.
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