Canada Announces New Counter-Tariffs on U.S. Goods Effective September 8, 2026

The Government of Canada has announced new counter-tariffs on $27.6 billion of goods imported from the United States, following the introduction of additional U.S. tariffs on Canadian products. Effective 12:01 a.m. on September 8, 2026, Canada will impose counter-tariffs of 15%, 25%, and 50% on selected U.S.-origin goods. The tariff applied to each affected product will correspond to the applicable U.S. tariff rate.

Products Impacted

The new counter-tariffs target products across several sectors, including:

• Steel and aluminum products
• Dairy products
• Appliances
• Agricultural equipment
• Pulp and paper products
• Electronics
• Furniture
• Clothing and apparel
• Fish and seafood

According to the Government of Canada, goods subject to the 50% counter-tariff include certain steel and aluminum products that were previously subject to a 25% counter-tariff, as well as certain furniture and clothing and apparel. Goods subject to the 25% counter-tariff include certain appliances, dairy products such as cheese, fish and seafood, and certain steel and aluminum derivative products. Other affected goods will be subject to rates of 15%, 25%, or 50% depending on their tariff classification. The Government of Canada has published a detailed list of affected tariff items and their applicable surtax rates.

Origin and In-Transit Considerations

The new countermeasures apply to affected goods originating in the United States. For purposes of the counter-tariffs, U.S.-origin goods are those eligible to be marked as goods of the United States under Canada's Determination of Country of Origin for the Purpose of Marking Goods (CUSMA Countries) Regulations. The countermeasures will not apply to U.S. goods that are already in transit to Canada when the tariffs take effect on September 8, 2026. Additional administrative guidance is expected from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).

Existing Counter-Tariffs Remain in Place

Canada has confirmed that other existing counter-tariffs on U.S. goods, including those applicable to certain automobiles, will remain in effect. Canada's tariff remission framework also continues to be available for businesses seeking exceptional relief from applicable counter-tariffs.

Additional Support for Canadian Businesses

Alongside the new counter-tariffs, the Government of Canada announced a $7.5 billion package of new and enhanced support measures for Canadian workers and businesses affected by U.S. tariffs. The package includes additional funding and financing through programs such as the Regional Tariff Response Initiative, Business Development Bank of Canada programs, the Canada Strong Diversification Fund, worker and employer support programs, and the Large Enterprise Tariff Loan facility.

What Importers Should Do

Canadian importers purchasing goods from the United States should review the Government of Canada's affected product list and:

• Confirm the tariff classification and origin of imported goods.
• Determine whether upcoming shipments will be subject to the new counter-tariffs.
• Review shipments expected to be in transit around the September 8 effective date and maintain appropriate documentation.
• Evaluate the potential impact of the additional duties on landed costs, pricing, purchasing decisions, and supply arrangements.
• Consider whether Canada's tariff remission framework may be applicable to their circumstances.

Buckland is closely monitoring developments and additional CBSA guidance related to these measures. If you have questions about how the new counter-tariffs may affect your imports into Canada, please contact your Buckland representative.

Sources:

Canada announces targeted countermeasures and substantive support for workers and businesses in response to U.S. tariffs Complete list of U.S. products subject to counter tariffs