Canada will impose counter-tariffs on $27.6 billion of U.S. imports starting Sept. 8, 2026.
Why it matters: The tariffs widen a costly trade fight between two major North American economies. Steel, aluminum and other exposed manufacturers, along with exporters and consumers, face higher input costs and potential price pressure.
- Canada says its countermeasures take effect at 12:01 a.m. on Sept. 8, 2026, and target U.S. imports worth C$27.6 billion.
- Ottawa said the duties will be 15%, 25% and 50% depending on the product category.
- The U.S. imposed a 50% tariff on C$27.6 billion of Canadian goods effective Aug. 22, 2026, according to the Canadian finance ministry.
- Canada also announced a C$7.5 billion support package for workers and businesses hit by the U.S. tariffs.
Canada said its new duties are a direct response to the U.S. tariff action, with the countermeasures set to begin at 12:01 a.m. on Sept. 8, 2026, on U.S. imports valued at C$27.6 billion, according to the Department of Finance Canada. The government said the measures are targeted at products including steel and aluminum, dairy, appliances, agricultural equipment, pulp and paper, plastics and electronics. Government of Canada announcement
The list of goods includes items already in transit protection, meaning products on the way to Canada on the effective date will not face the new duties. Ottawa said the rate will vary by category, with duties of 15%, 25% and 50% applied to different products. Product list
Canada's finance ministry said the U.S. had already imposed a 50% tariff on C$27.6 billion of Canadian goods on Aug. 22, 2026. Reuters reported that the trade escalation comes as Canadian officials move to shield domestic industries and workers from the impact of the U.S. tariff action. Reuters
Alongside the tariffs, Canada announced C$7.5 billion in support for affected workers and businesses. The government said it had suspended trade negotiations with the United States after what it described as unfair terms in Washington's tariff move. Canada's response to U.S. tariffs
By the numbers
- C$27.6 billion - Value of U.S. goods Canada says it will target.
- 50% - U.S. tariff rate Canada says is already in place on C$27.6 billion of Canadian goods.
- C$7.5 billion - Support package Ottawa announced for workers and businesses.
Yes, but: Canada's move is targeted, not a blanket matching of every U.S. tariff line, and the government has not said how long the counter-duties will remain in force.
What's next: Canada's counter-tariffs are scheduled to take effect at 12:01 a.m. on Sept. 8, 2026.