Metro Vancouver shoppers, homeowners and businesses could soon see the impact of Canada’s latest trade response to the United States.
Beginning September 8, 2026, Canada will impose new 15, 25 and 50 per cent counter-tariffs on selected goods originating in the United States, covering approximately $27.6 billion in imports.
But the federal government’s detailed tariff schedule shows the measures go far beyond broad categories such as steel, dairy and appliances.
The list includes everything from sockeye salmon, cheese and honey to refrigerators, washing machines, smartphones, clothing, cosmetics, power tools and construction materials.
The tariffs take effect at 12:01 a.m. on September 8.
What does “U.S. goods” actually mean?
An important distinction for Canadian consumers is that the tariffs apply to goods originating in the United States under Canada’s country-of-origin rules.
That does not necessarily mean every American brand sold in Canada will be subject to the tariff. A product may be sold by a U.S. company but manufactured elsewhere.
Similarly, a product covered by the tariff schedule would only be subject to the new surtax if it qualifies as originating in the United States.
Seafood on the list
The detailed federal schedule contains an extensive list of fish and seafood products subject to a 25 per cent tariff when originating in the United States.
The list includes:
- Sockeye salmon
- Other Pacific salmon
- Atlantic salmon
- Trout
- Halibut
- Tuna
- Cod
- Haddock
- Alaska pollock
- Tilapia
- Catfish
- Carp
- Eels
- Sardines
- Anchovies
- Mackerel
- Swordfish
- Clams
- Abalone
The schedule covers products in fresh, chilled, frozen and other forms across numerous tariff classifications.
Cheese, honey and other food products
American-origin cheese products are also included at a 25 per cent tariff.
The federal list specifically identifies varieties including:
- Provolone
- Mozzarella
- Swiss and Emmental
- Gruyère
- Havarti
- Parmesan
- Romano
- Other cheese and curd products
The list also includes natural honey, which is subject to a 50 per cent tariff, as well as molasses and a range of baking mixes and dough products.
Perfume, makeup and hair products face 50% tariffs
Some personal-care and beauty products originating in the United States are included in the higher tariff category.
The list includes:
- Perfumes and toilet waters
- Lip makeup
- Eye makeup
- Manicure and pedicure preparations
- Certain hair preparations
These products are listed with a 50 per cent tariff rate.
Carpets, flooring and clothing
The new measures could also affect U.S.-origin products used in home renovations and furnishing.
The federal schedule includes:
- Carpets
- Rugs
- Artificial turf and certain textile floor coverings
- Plastic floor and wall coverings
- Plywood
- Lumber and other wood products
- Steel doors and windows
Depending on the product, the tariffs range from 25 to 50 per cent.
Clothing is another major category.
Among the products listed at 50 per cent are certain:
- T-shirts
- Sweaters and cardigans
- Dresses
- Pants and shorts
- Jackets and blazers
- Overcoats
- Anoraks and wind jackets
- Gloves and mittens
The tariff applies to the specific products identified in the schedule when they originate in the United States.
Refrigerators, freezers and washing machines
Home appliances are also directly targeted.
The federal list includes a 25 per cent tariff on several household appliances and related products, including:
- Refrigerators
- Refrigerator-freezer combinations
- Household freezers
- Washing machines
- Clothes dryers
- Ovens
- Cooking stoves and ranges
- Rice cookers
- Bread makers
- Indoor smokeless barbecues
- Other household appliances
Certain dishwasher parts are also included.
For Metro Vancouver residents planning a kitchen or laundry-room upgrade, the key issue will be whether the specific appliance being purchased was manufactured in or otherwise qualifies as originating in the United States.
Smartphones and electronics
The list also reaches into the technology sector.
The federal schedule identifies smartphones at a 50 per cent tariff rate when originating in the United States.
Other listed technology products include:
- Communications and networking equipment
- Switching and routing equipment
- Certain monitors
- Printed circuit assemblies
- Television and video equipment components
Again, the tariff does not automatically apply to a product simply because it carries a well-known U.S. brand name. Country of origin will matter.
Tools, lawn equipment and kitchen products
Other recognizable products on the list include:
- Lawn mowers
- Electric saws
- Chain saws
- Other power tools
- Hand tools
- Knives
- Table cutlery
- Spoons and forks
- Plastic kitchenware and household articles
- Hinges and hardware
Most of these products are listed at rates ranging from 15 to 25 per cent, although rates depend on the specific tariff classification.
Steel and construction products face some of the highest rates
The federal measures also heavily target U.S.-origin steel and industrial products.
A large number of steel products are subject to 50 per cent tariffs, including certain:
- Steel pipes and tubes
- Stainless steel pipes
- Pipe fittings
- Flanges
- Structural steel products
- Bridges and bridge sections
- Towers
- Doors and windows
- Other fabricated steel products
The potential impact could extend beyond retail purchases to construction, manufacturing, infrastructure and other industries that rely on affected imports.
Will prices go up?
The new tariffs increase the cost of importing covered U.S.-origin goods into Canada.
However, that does not mean prices will automatically increase by the full 15, 25 or 50 per cent tariff rate.
Importers and retailers could choose to absorb some of the cost, raise prices, renegotiate with suppliers or switch to Canadian or non-U.S. sources.
The actual impact on Metro Vancouver consumers will likely depend on the product, its country of origin, available alternatives and decisions made by individual businesses.
Canada says the counter-tariffs are intended to respond to U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods and help protect Canadian workers, producers and manufacturers.
The measures cover approximately $27.6 billion worth of imports from the United States, with rates matching the corresponding U.S. tariff for targeted goods. The new tariffs take effect September 8, 2026.
Bottom line
For consumers, the most important thing to watch is where a product actually originates.
The new tariff schedule reaches from grocery and seafood counters to appliance stores, clothing retailers, electronics sellers, home-improvement suppliers and industrial businesses.
But being an American brand alone does not mean a product will automatically face the new tariff.
The full federal schedule contains hundreds of tariff classifications and should be read alongside Canada’s Customs Tariff for the precise treatment of individual goods.
Harnaik Singh Rathor is the Founder, Publisher, and Editor-in-Chief of StudioX News Canada, Canada's multilingual digital news network serving diaspora communities across 44 languages. With a background in media production, public relations, and multicultural communications, he founded StudioX Film and TV Corporation to bridge the gap between mainstream Canadian media and the country's diverse immigrant communities. He is a member of the Canadian Association of Journalists (CAJ), RTDNA Canada, CPRS Vancouver, Unifor, NEPMCC, and the Canada Freelance Union. Based in Surrey, British Columbia. | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harnaiksinghrathor/ | Muck Rack: https://muckrack.com/harnaiksinghrathor | Email: editor@studioxnews.ca
