The current state of Canada–US tariffs, in plain language, with sources. Last verified: August 22, 2026 (evening MT).
What is in force right now
- US 50% tariffs on ~US$20 billion of Canadian goods — in effect since 12:01 a.m. ET, August 22, 2026. Imposed under Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930 (invoked July 20, 2026 — the first time any president has used this authority). The three proclamations cover dairy; alcoholic beverages; and a broad third list spanning electronics and telecom equipment, furniture, building materials, plastics and packaging, apparel and footwear, toys, machinery, cosmetics, and certain agricultural products. These tariffs apply even to CUSMA/USMCA-compliant goods and have no scheduled expiry. Sources: CBP CSMS #69606660 (implementation guidance and official HTS list); analyses by Holland & Knight and C.H. Robinson. Check your code on our Section 338 checker.
- Canada’s announced response: matching tariffs starting September 8, 2026. Following the collapse of talks in Washington on August 21–22, the Prime Minister said Canada will match the US tariffs dollar for dollar. The itemized list has not yet been published — it will come via Order in Council and CBSA customs notice. Our counter-tariff checker will be updated the day it drops.
- Canadian counter-tariffs on US steel, aluminum, and non-CUSMA-compliant autos remain in effect (in place since 2025; most other 2025-era counter-tariffs were removed effective September 1, 2025). Source: Department of Finance Canada — Complete list of U.S. products subject to counter tariffs.
- US IEEPA tariffs: struck down. On February 20, 2026, the US Supreme Court ruled 6–3 in Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump that IEEPA does not authorize tariffs. The Court of International Trade has since ordered refunds of IEEPA duties (approximately US$165 billion collected), and CBP is building an automated refund system known as CAPE. Sources: Supreme Court opinion; CIT orders; Skadden and Norton Rose Fulbright analyses.
Key dates ahead
- September 8, 2026 — Canada’s announced retaliatory tariffs take effect.
- Ongoing — CUSMA/USMCA annual reviews, after the July 1, 2026 joint review ended without US agreement to extend.
Relief that already exists
Canada’s remission framework under section 115 of the Customs Tariff allows businesses to request relief from Canadian counter-tariffs (claims generally must be filed within two years of importation). The CBSA Duty Drawback and Duties Relief programs, and Chapter 98/99 provisions, provide additional routes. See the guides: remission, drawback, duties relief, and Chapter 98/99.
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