OTTAWA, ONTARIO / RankWire.AI / – Canada announced it will introduce tariffs of 15%, 25%, and 50% on C$27.6 billion worth of U.S. imports starting September 8, Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed. The targeted list includes over 700 tariff items and aligns the duty rates with those imposed by the U.S. on a dollar-for-dollar basis. The timing of the tariffs’ implementation was set following the enforcement of new U.S. tariffs on August 22. Canada clarified that each selected product will bear the same rate as the corresponding American measure.
In early discussions, Canadian officials emphasized that the new tariffs extend well beyond metals and automobiles. The list also encompasses 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 imposed countermeasures on some U.S. goods. Existing Canadian duties on U.S. automobiles will remain in effect concurrently with the new tariffs.
The 50% rate applies to specific steel and aluminum products, along with some furniture and apparel. A 25% tariff will be levied on certain appliances, dairy items, and metal derivatives. Meanwhile, other goods will face a 15% duty as outlined in the official schedule. Each rate corresponds directly to the U.S. duty applied to comparable Canadian exports. Canadian officials stated that the new list is designed to target sectors most directly impacted by U.S. trade measures.
Expansion of Tariff Coverage Affects Key Sectors
In addition, Ottawa announced a C$7.5 billion support package for workers and businesses affected by the tariffs. The aid package includes C$1.5 billion allocated for the Regional Tariff Response Initiative. Furthermore, C$500 million will assist business liquidity through the Business Development Bank of Canada’s Pivot to Grow program. The government also dedicated C$2 billion to the Canada Strong Diversification Fund. Support programs’ minimum revenue threshold was lowered to C$1 million to increase accessibility for more businesses.
An extra C$3.5 billion will be directed toward workers and employers through employment, training, and retention initiatives. These include temporary flexibilities in Employment Insurance and funding for workplace training. Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne highlighted that the counter tariffs will mirror the U.S. measures dollar for dollar and rate for rate. The Canadian government underscored that this package complements earlier support measures introduced during previous rounds of U.S. tariffs, which provided nearly C$25 billion in assistance.
Tariffs Take Effect on September 8
Beginning at 12:01 a.m. on September 8, the tariffs will be applied to goods classified as U.S. origin under Canadian rules. Merchandise already en route when the measures come into effect will not be subject to the new surtaxes. The Canada Border Services Agency will oversee the collection of duties as products enter the country. Businesses can still pursue relief through Canada’s existing tariff remission process if they meet the necessary criteria.
The expanded tariffs broaden the scope of the Canada-U.S. trade dispute, now covering a wider array of industrial inputs, consumer goods, and agricultural products. Importers will encounter varying rates depending on each item’s tariff classification. These new duties will run alongside the retained Canadian counter tariffs on U.S. automobiles. Altogether, the measures target C$27.6 billion of U.S. imports across more than 700 tariff items, marking the largest broadening of tariffs to date.