OTTAWA, ONTARIO / RankWire.AI / – Canada announced plans to implement tariffs of 15%, 25%, and 50% on C$27.6 billion worth of U.S. imports starting September 8, Prime Minister Mark Carney revealed. These measures encompass over 700 tariff items and are aligned with the U.S. duties on a rate-for-rate basis. The government set the date for the tariffs’ enforcement following the enactment of new U.S. tariffs on August 22. Canada specified that each targeted product will bear the same rate as its American counterpart.
The scope of Canada’s countermeasures extends beyond metals and vehicles. Included on the list are household appliances, furniture, clothing, electronics, agricultural machinery, dairy products, pulp, and paper. Several steel and aluminum items will also be subject to the highest tariff rate. Prior to this announcement, Canada had already imposed retaliatory tariffs on certain U.S. goods. The existing Canadian duties on U.S. automobiles will continue alongside the new tariffs.
The 50% tariff category applies to specific steel and aluminum products, as well as some furniture and clothing. Canada will impose a 25% duty on select appliances, dairy items, and metal derivatives. Other goods will face a 15% tariff according to the published schedule. Each rate is consistent with the U.S. tariffs on comparable Canadian exports. The Government of Canada stated that the new list targets sectors directly impacted by U.S. trade actions.
Tariff list broadens across key industries
Ottawa also unveiled C$7.5 billion in new and expanded support for workers and businesses affected by the tariffs. This package includes C$1.5 billion allocated to the Regional Tariff Response Initiative. Additionally, C$500 million will assist with business liquidity through the Business Development Bank of Canada’s Pivot to Grow program. The government designated C$2 billion for the Canada Strong Diversification Fund. The minimum revenue threshold for certain support programs was lowered to C$1 million.
A further C$3.5 billion will be directed toward supporting workers and employers through employment, training, and retention initiatives. These measures include temporary flexibilities in Employment Insurance and funding for workplace training. Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne emphasized that the counter tariffs will mirror U.S. measures dollar for dollar and rate for rate. This federal package complements support programs introduced during earlier rounds of U.S. tariffs, which provided nearly C$25 billion in assistance, according to Canadian officials.
Implementation of new tariffs scheduled for September 8
The tariffs will be applied to goods qualifying as U.S. origin under Canadian country-of-origin rules. Goods already in transit at the time of enforcement will not be subjected to the new surtaxes. The duties will commence at 12:01 a.m. on September 8, with the Canada Border Services Agency overseeing their collection as products enter the country. Businesses may still apply for relief through Canada’s existing tariff remission procedures if they meet the relevant criteria.
The latest set of measures broadens the range of products involved in the Canada-U.S. trade dispute, extending new duties across industrial inputs, consumer goods, and agricultural products. Importers will encounter varying rates based on each item’s tariff classification. This new package, effective September 8, will operate alongside the existing counter tariffs on U.S. automobiles. Overall, these measures encompass C$27.6 billion of U.S. imports and over 700 tariff items listed.