Listeners, here's the latest on Canada-U.S. tariff dynamics as of September 2025. This past spring, Canada imposed a 25% surtax on imported goods from the United States, targeting sectors like steel, aluminum, motor vehicles, wine, spirits, coffee, appliances, apparel, footwear, motorcycles, cosmetics, and select pulp and paper products. These measures, introduced as a direct counter to American tariffs, affected more than $30 billion in annual imports from the U.S., according to EY Tax Alert 2025 No. 43.
On September 1, 2025, Canada moved to repeal the United States Surtax Order (2025-1), effectively removing these tariffs from a wide variety of goods. The Department of Finance in Canada has updated its product list, so now only U.S. steel, aluminum, and motor vehicles remain subject to the 25% surtax. The decision to lift tariffs on other categories was met with support from Canadian businesses eager to see costs come down and supply chains run smoother—especially for sectors hit hardest by increased import prices.
Meanwhile, U.S. tariffs on Canadian imports remain in the spotlight as the USMCA is up for review. According to a September 2025 WilmerHale client alert, the U.S. is currently applying sectoral tariffs—including a hefty 35% rate under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and 50% tariffs on steel and aluminum, as reported by Handoff AI—though products compliant with USMCA are largely exempt from these country-specific charges. Still, Canadian steel, aluminum, copper, and softwood lumber are bearing the brunt of tariffs, meaning the cost of construction and consumer goods remains high for Americans. In fact, Handoff AI notes that steep U.S. tariffs on imported steel and aluminum—mostly sourced from Canada—are driving up material costs, with some tariffs doubling to 50% since June, hitting contractors and builders especially hard.
The joint USMCA review, now getting underway, has Canadian and U.S. officials discussing possible reductions or removals on these key tariffs. Mexico and Canada are both hoping to negotiate terms that bring relief to automotive, metals, and industrial sectors, a move that could have significant economic ripple effects if Washington is receptive.
One of the most contentious recent developments was Canada’s refusal to remit tariff surtaxes paid between March and August 2025—a policy Bloomberg Tax calls a 'bait and switch' that could be subject to legal challenges.
In summary, Canadian tariffs on a wide range of U.S. goods were rolled back this month, but key sectors like steel, aluminum, and vehicles remain heavily affected. The U.S. continues enforcing some of its highest tariff rates in years on Canadian imports, with plenty of uncertainty as ongoing USMCA negotiations unfold Washington and Ottawa.
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