VIDEO The Canadian government announced Tuesday that it will impose $27.6-billion worth of counter- tariffs starting Sept. 8 — a dollar-for-dollar response to U.S. President Donald Trump ‘s punishing Section 338 tariffs, which came into effect Aug. 22.
At a press conference announcing the measures, federal ministers also pledged $7.5 billion to support Canadian businesses and workers affected by the new levies. Here’s a closer look at what’s inside Ottawa’s tariff and stimulus packages.
Which products has Canada targeted for counter-tariffs? Ottawa has introduced 15 per cent, 25 per cent and 50 per cent counter-tariffs on more than 700 items drawn from the list of Canadian goods tariffed under U.S. Section 232 and Section 338.
Most of the items on Canada’s list, which is over 100 pages long, will face tariffs of 25 per cent or 50 per cent. Only a small number of items will be taxed at 15 per cent.
American imports hit with 50 per cent counter-tariffs include steel and aluminum products, which were previously subject to 25 per cent counter-tariffs imposed by former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government. Furniture, clothing and apparel are also on the list.
Among the items hit with 25 per cent counter-tariffs are appliances, dairy products — including cheese — fish and seafood, and certain steel and aluminum derivative products (chains, nails, tacks, prefabricated structures, etc.).
Other pre-existing counter-tariffs will remain in effect, including a 25 per cent tax on vehicles imported from the U.S. that do not comply with the Canada–U.S.–Mexico Agreement ( CUSMA ).
Which products will not face tariffs? While Prime Minister Mark Carney said at a separate news conference in Quebec on Monday that everything was on the table, notably missing from the list are export levies on potash and Canadian crude oil or electricity, of which the U.S. is a major consumer.
Federal Industry Minister Melanie Joly said the counter-tariffs needed to be strategic, proportionate and serve Canada’s best interests.
“This is, we think for now, the most strategic approach,” she said at Tuesday’s news conference. “When we’re looking at the counter-tariffs, we’re looking first at the businesses that are affected … We are also targeting products that will target states in the U.S. So we are being wise and strategic to put political pressure (on the U.S. administration).”
What’s included in the stimulus package? The $7.5 billion in government funding introduced Tuesday includes measures to help Canadian workers and businesses (particularly small and medium-sized ones) in sectors most affected by the new Section 338 tariffs.
The funding includes a $1.5-billion top-up to the pre-existing Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI), to be administered by seven regional development agencies across Canada. The RTRI will provide up to $3.45 billion over four years to eligible businesses impacted by tariffs.
The stimulus package also includes a $500-million liquidity stream delivered through the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC), which will provide working capital to businesses facing cash-flow shortfalls as a result of U.S. tariffs. Companies eligible for the program — annual revenue requirements for applicants will be set at $1 million — will receive $250,000 to $5 million in loans with interest-only repayment over 36 months.
The government also introduced $3.5 billion in new funding for another pre-existing program — Rapid Response Supports for Workers and Employers. Workers who were laid off as a result of the U.S. tariffs will be able to receive Employment Insurance (EI) benefits without having to wait a week and allowed to access their EI without using up their severance payments.
The RRSWE program will cover administrative and training costs for eligible employers to help them retain their workers.
The stimulus package also includes funding for the Large Enterprise Tariff Loan facility, which provides liquidity to large businesses struggling as a result of the tariffs. And a new Canada Strong Diversification Fund will support tariff-affected companies with shovel-ready projects by providing ongoing capital maintenance.
What happens next, and will the U.S. retaliate? President Trump said in a social media post on Monday that he will implement 50 per cent tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminum and autos in January 2027. These sectors were already hit with 25 per cent tariffs under Section 232.
It is unclear if the U.S. is planning further retaliation. If it does, Minister Joly said the Liberal government is ready to respond.
Both countries, along with Mexico, are supposed to take part in rolling, annual trade reviews after CUSMA was not renewed.
Carney said Monday that Canada will not go back to the negotiating table until the U.S. changes its attitude.
U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer blamed Canada for the failed trade talks and said Carney’s decision to walk away didn’t make economic sense.
If negotiations don’t resume, Canada’s new counter-tariff regime will come into effect the day after Labour Day.
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