Canada will impose "dollar-for-dollar" counter-tariffs on approximately $27.6 billion [1] of U.S. imports starting Sept. 8, 2026 [1].

The move marks a significant escalation in trade tensions between the two neighbors. By targeting a wide array of American goods, Ottawa aims to pressure Washington to rescind duties previously placed on Canadian products.

Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne announced the measures in Ottawa on Tuesday. The retaliatory action comes in response to U.S. Section 338 duties imposed on Canadian exports [2].

"We will impose dollar-for-dollar counter-tariffs on a swath of U.S. goods," Champagne said.

The new levies will target various sectors, including seafood, certain paper products, furniture, apparel, tools, and motorcycles [1]. The government will apply tariff rates of 15%, 25%, and 50% [1].

Additional duties will specifically match U.S. Section 338 levies on electronics, appliances, and steel [3]. While most sources cite the total value of targeted goods at $27.6 billion [1], some reports have estimated the figure as low as $20 billion.

"The new levies will hit about $27.6 billion worth of U.S. goods, including seafood, certain paper products, furniture, apparel, tools, and motorcycles," Champagne said.

To mitigate the domestic economic impact of the trade dispute, the Canadian government also announced a $7.5 billion [2] worker support package. This funding is intended to assist industries and employees affected by the ongoing trade volatility [2].

The announcement follows a period of heightened friction over trade barriers and duties. Ottawa has maintained that its response is a necessary measure to protect its economic interests against the U.S. duties.

“"We will impose dollar-for-dollar counter-tariffs on a swath of U.S. goods."”

This retaliatory strategy indicates that Canada is willing to risk short-term consumer price increases and supply chain disruptions to challenge U.S. trade policy. By pairing the tariffs with a $7.5 billion domestic support package, the Canadian government is attempting to shield its own workforce from the blowback of a trade war while maintaining a hardline diplomatic stance.