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The Greater Kitchener-Waterloo and Cambridge Chambers of Commerce are sharing this guide to help Canadian businesses identify U.S.-origin goods that may be subject to Canada’s new counter-tariffs, taking effect September 8, 2026.
The new measures apply surtax rates of 15%, 25% or 50% to 874 Canadian tariff items, representing approximately $27.6 billion in imports from the United States. This guide addresses only the new measures taking effect September 8. Other Canadian counter-tariffs, including those applying to automobiles and certain other goods, remain in effect.
When the New Measures Take Effect
The September 8 surtaxes apply only to goods originating in the United States, as determined under the applicable Canadian country-of-origin marking rules. The measures take effect at 12:01 a.m. on September 8, 2026.
U.S.-origin goods that are already in transit to Canada when the measures take effect are excluded from the new surtaxes.
Who This Guide Is For
This guide is intended for Canadian businesses that import, distribute, resell, purchase or source U.S.-origin goods.
It is important to note that purchasing a product from a U.S. supplier does not automatically make the product U.S.-origin for surtax purposes. The product’s country of origin must be determined under the applicable Canadian origin and marking rules.
Summary of Affected Products
The following section groups the 874 affected tariff items into 23 broad product categories, using everyday language to help businesses quickly identify areas where they may have exposure.
Businesses should consult the official Department of Finance tariff-item list, the Customs Tariff, applicable country-of-origin rules and CBSA administrative guidance when determining whether a specific product is covered.
Where there is uncertainty, businesses should obtain professional customs or trade advice before relying on a classification or origin determination.
Access the guide by clicking here
New Federal tariff support measures
The federal government has also announced a new $7.5 billion package of measures to support Canadian businesses and workers impacted by U.S. tariffs. Here’s a quick overview:
Support for SMEs and liquidity — beginning in September
• An additional $1.5 billion for SMEs through the Regional Tariff Response Initiative, with non-repayable contributions of up to $3 million, including up to $2 million for demonstrated liquidity needs.
• A second $500 million BDC liquidity stream through its Pivot to Grow program for businesses directly impacted by tariffs, with loans ranging from $250,000 to $5 million and interest-only payments available for 36 months.
Canada Strong Diversification Fund — effective immediately
• A new $2 billion fund for tariff-impacted businesses with shovel-ready projects, including expanded eligibility for medium-sized businesses and a planned fast-track review and approval process.
Support for workers and employers
• $3.5 billion in Rapid Response Supports for Workers and Employers, including extensions to temporary EI measures and a new Workforce Retention and Retraining Program to help employers retain and retrain workers.
Support for large employers
• Expanded flexibility under the $10 billion Large Enterprise Tariff Loan facility, with liquidity support increasing from 24 to 36 months and maximum loan terms increasing from 10 to 15 years.
Click here to learn more about these measures.
