Global Trade
September 8, 2026
Canadian retaliatory tariffs take effect
Written by Michael Cowden
Canada has imposed counter-tariffs of 15%, 25%, or 50% on a range of US products. The tariffs kicked in at 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday.
The Canadian retaliatory measures — which include 50% tariffs on US steel and aluminum — came after trade talks between Washington and Ottawa collapsed last month.
The failure of the two countries to reach a deal led the US to impose 50% tariffs on a range of Canadian goods under Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney pledged retaliation. Days later, Canada drew up a list of US goods to target. (The full list is here.) The stated goal: matching not only Section 338 tariffs but also Section 232 tariffs “dollar for dollar, rate for rate.”
Recall that the US has placed Section 232 tariffs of 50% on imported steel and aluminum from most countries, including Canada.
For steel and aluminum, the trade fight between the US and one of its closest allies matters because of how closely interlinked North American supply chains are.
