OTTAWA, ONTARIO / RankWire.AI / – Canada will implement tariffs of 15%, 25%, and 50% on C$27.6 billion worth of U.S. imports starting September 8, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced. These measures include over 700 tariff items and align with U.S. duties item for item. The decision was made after the new U.S. tariffs took effect on August 22, with Carney confirming that each targeted product will bear the same rate as the corresponding U.S. measure.
The scope of Canada’s countermeasures extends well beyond metals and automobiles, encompassing household appliances, furniture, clothing, electronics, agricultural equipment, 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 levied counter tariffs on certain U.S. products, and existing Canadian duties on U.S. automobiles will remain in force alongside the new tariffs.
The 50% tariff rate applies to specific steel, aluminum, some furniture, and apparel products, while a 25% duty will be imposed on certain appliances, dairy goods, and metal derivatives. Other commodities will face a 15% tariff according to the published schedule, with each rate matching the U.S. duties imposed on similar Canadian exports. The Government of Canada explained that the new list prioritizes sectors directly impacted by U.S. trade actions.
Tariff list broadens across major sectors
Ottawa also unveiled C$7.5 billion in new and expanded aid for workers and businesses affected by these tariffs, including C$1.5 billion for the Regional Tariff Response Initiative. An additional C$500 million will support business liquidity through the Business Development Bank of Canada’s Pivot to Grow program, while C$2 billion is allocated to the Canada Strong Diversification Fund. Officials lowered the minimum revenue requirement for some support programs to C$1 million.
Furthermore, C$3.5 billion will be directed toward assisting workers and employers with employment, training, and retention efforts, including temporary flexibilities in Employment Insurance and funding for workplace training. Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne stated that the counter tariffs will be dollar-for-dollar and rate-for-rate equivalent to U.S. measures. This federal aid package builds upon support programs introduced during previous U.S. tariff rounds, which Canada reports have totaled nearly C$25 billion in assistance.
Implementation begins September 8
The new tariffs will apply to goods that qualify as U.S. origin under Canadian country-of-origin rules. Goods already in transit when the measures come into effect will be exempt from the surtaxes. Starting at 12:01 a.m. on September 8, the Canada Border Services Agency will oversee the enforcement of these tariffs as products enter the country. Businesses can still seek relief through Canada’s existing tariff remission process if they meet the relevant criteria.
This latest move broadens the scope of the Canada-U.S. trade dispute, covering industrial inputs, consumer goods, and agricultural products. Importers will face varying rates depending on each item’s tariff classification. The September 8 package will operate alongside the existing Canadian counter tariffs on U.S. automobiles, collectively covering C$27.6 billion worth of U.S. imports and over 700 tariff items listed.