Canada Prepares Retaliatory Tariffs on U.S. Steel and Consumer Goods Effective September 8

OTTAWA, ON — The Government of Canada published an official list of targeted reciprocal tariff countermeasures under the Customs Tariff Act, preparing to apply 25% retaliatory duties on $3.6 billion in American steel, aluminum, manufactured appliances, and agricultural food products starting September 8, 2026.

Defending Canadian Workers and Integrated Supply Chains

The Canadian countermeasures respond directly to unilateral cross-border trade restrictions and threatened 50% tariffs on Canadian energy and industrial exports. The Department of Finance confirmed the countermeasures are designed to be dollar-for-dollar reciprocal while minimizing cost disruptions for Canadian domestic supply chains by exempting essential automotive parts and critical medicines.

Prime Minister Mark Carney affirmed that Canada will always stand up for its domestic industries, workers, and businesses while remaining at the negotiating table to achieve fair, reciprocal trade under CUSMA.

Canadian Manufacturers and Steel Producers Support

Canadian Steel Producers Association (CSPA) and Canadian Chamber of Commerce strongly supported the federal government’s resolute defense of integrated bilateral trade.

Agricultural exporter federations urged continued diplomatic engagement to resolve cross-border trade friction before the September 8 deadline.

Countermeasure In-Force Date

Reciprocal customs tariffs take legal effect at Canadian ports of entry on September 8, 2026, unless a negotiated bilateral accord is finalized.