Canada’s retaliatory tariffs against the United States’ tariffs on August 22 took effect at 12:01 a.m. today, covering approximately $27.6 billion of U.S.-origin goods at rates of 15%, 25%, or 50%. The measures apply only to goods originating in the United States; U.S. goods already in transit to Canada today are exempt.
Here is the statement from the Department of Finance Canada:
As a result of the United States’ (U.S.) decision to impose a 50 per cent tariff on $27.6 billion of Canadian goods effective August 22, the Government of Canada will match the U.S. Section 338 tariffs – dollar for dollar.
Effective September 8, 2026, Canada will impose 15, 25, and 50 per cent tariffs on products drawn from those targeted by U.S. Section 338 and Section 232 tariffs, with individual product rates based on the matching U.S. rate for the same goods.
Canada’s counter tariffs will apply to products covering $27.6 billion in imports from the U.S. and will focus on sectors such as steel, dairy, appliances, agricultural equipment, pulp and paper, and electronics that are most impacted by U.S. tariffs.
These tariffs only apply to goods originating from the U.S., which shall be considered as those goods eligible to be marked as a good of the U.S. in accordance with the Determination of Country of Origin for the Purpose of Marking Goods (CUSMA Countries) Regulations.
These countermeasures will be effective as of 12:01 a.m., September 8, 2026.
Canada’s countermeasures do not apply to U.S. goods that are in transit to Canada on the day on which they come into force. Additional details on the administration of these tariffs will be available on the Canada Border Services Agency website: Customs Notices (cbsa-asfc.gc.ca).
The list of products outlined at the tariff item level should be read in conjunction with the Schedule to Canada’s Customs Tariff.
Among the electrical-related items (see the full list for specific exclusions and details):
- Copper wire: multiple refined-copper wire classifications carry a 50% tariff.
- Aluminum wire: multiple aluminum and aluminum-alloy wire classifications carry a 50% tariff.
- Aluminum stranded wire and cable that is not electrically insulated, including steel-core conductor, carries a 50% tariff.
- Other insulated electric conductors rated at 1,000 V or less under tariff item 8544.49.00 carry a 25% tariff.
- LED ceiling and wall luminaires, plus certain other LED luminaires, carry a 50% tariff.