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, according to Prime Minister Mark Carney. These measures target over 700 tariff items and mirror U.S. duties on a one-to-one basis. Carney confirmed the tariffs would come into effect following the enforcement of new U.S. tariffs on August 22, with each selected product set to carry the same rate as the corresponding U.S. measure.
The scope of Canada’s countermeasures extends beyond metals and automobiles. Included on the list are household appliances, furniture, clothing, electronics, agricultural equipment, dairy products, pulp, and paper. Several steel and aluminum items will also be subjected to the highest tariff rate. Prior to this announcement, Canada had already imposed retaliatory tariffs on some U.S. goods. The existing Canadian duties on U.S. automobiles will stay in effect alongside the new tariffs.
The 50% tariff category covers certain steel and aluminum products as well as some furniture and clothing items. A 25% rate will be applied to specific appliances, dairy products, and metal derivatives. All other goods will face a 15% tariff as per the official schedule. Each duty rate directly aligns with U.S. tariffs imposed on comparable Canadian exports. The Canadian government indicated that the new tariff list emphasizes sectors most directly impacted by U.S. trade actions.
Expansion of tariff list spans key sectors
Ottawa also unveiled C$7.5 billion in additional and expanded support for workers and businesses affected by the tariffs. This includes C$1.5 billion allocated for the Regional Tariff Response Initiative. An additional C$500 million will bolster business liquidity through the Business Development Bank of Canada’s Pivot to Grow program. The government has also designated C$2 billion for the Canada Strong Diversification Fund. Furthermore, the minimum revenue threshold for certain aid programs has been lowered to C$1 million.
An extra C$3.5 billion will be dedicated to employment, training, and retention initiatives for workers and employers. These measures include temporary Employment Insurance flexibilities and funding for workplace training programs. Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne stated that the counter tariffs will match U.S. measures dollar for dollar and rate for rate. The federal government’s support package complements existing programs introduced during previous rounds of U.S. tariffs, which Canada claims provided nearly C$25 billion in assistance.
Tariffs set to take effect on September 8
The new tariffs will apply to goods classified as originating from the U.S. under Canadian country-of-origin rules. Goods already in transit when the measures become effective will be exempt from the new surtaxes. The duties will start at 12:01 a.m. on September 8, with the Canada Border Services Agency overseeing their enforcement as products arrive in the country. Businesses are encouraged to continue applying for relief through Canada’s existing tariff remission process if they meet the necessary criteria.
This latest set of measures 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 the tariff classification of each item. The September 8 package will operate alongside the existing counter tariffs on U.S. automobiles. Overall, these measures encompass C$27.6 billion worth of U.S. imports and over 700 tariff items listed.