Canada announces counter-tariffs on over 700 U.S. goods

Wood logs are pictured floating in the Fraser River in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, Aug. 25, 2026. The Canadian federal government on Tuesday announced retaliatory tariffs on over 700 U.S. goods valued at 27.6 billion Canadian dollars (about 20 billion U.S. dollars), alongside a 7.5-billion-Canadian-dollar assistance package for domestic businesses and workers. (Photo by Liang Sen/Xinhua)

OTTAWA, Aug. 25 (Xinhua) -- The Canadian federal government on Tuesday announced retaliatory tariffs on over 700 U.S. goods valued at 27.6 billion Canadian dollars (about 20 billion U.S. dollars), alongside a 7.5-billion-Canadian-dollar assistance package for domestic businesses and workers.

Canadian officials said the countermeasures match the total value of Canadian products targeted by the latest 50-percent U.S. tariffs, achieving a "dollar-for-dollar, rate for fate" response. The counter-tariffs are scheduled to take effect officially on Sept. 8.

Canadian Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne said the reciprocal tariffs as well as the multi-billion-dollar support package will protect workers, farmers, families and businesses.

According to a list released by the Finance Ministry, the new targeted counter-tariffs are concentrated in sectors such as steel, dairy, appliances, agricultural equipment, pulp and paper, and electronics, with tariff rates set at three tiers: 15 percent, 25 percent and 50 percent.

In certain sectors, such as steel and aluminum, existing counter-tariffs will increase from 25 percent to 50 percent to match U.S. rates. Other existing counter-tariffs, including those against U.S. autos, will also continue to apply, said the ministry.

A 25-percent tariff will be levied on dairy products such as cheese, fish, seafood, and certain steel and aluminum derivatives.

In addition to the tariffs, the federal government announced a 7.5-billion-Canadian-dollar relief package, primarily targeting small and medium-sized enterprises. Ottawa promised to help companies avoid layoffs, enable more workers to upgrade skills, and increase flexibility for accessing employment insurance.