Canada faces the prospect of ongoing tariffs on key exports to the United States, even as a Supreme Court ruling struck down some of former President Donald Trump’s broader tariff policies, according to recent statements from U.S. And Canadian officials. The signals suggest that any future trade arrangement will likely require Canada to accept some level of tariffs, a position reiterated by Washington.
The U.S. Trade Representative, in comments reported by CBC News and CTV News, indicated that a trade deal with Canada would not be free of tariffs. This stance was further emphasized by a statement from Trump’s trade representative, who asserted that Canada must accept tariffs and contribute to the reshoring of American jobs. These comments came during a period of heightened trade discussions between the two countries, with a meeting scheduled in the coming weeks, as reported by Yahoo! Finance Canada.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford, speaking in February 2025, warned that Trump could potentially scrap the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), currently covering most Canadian exports to the U.S. While the Supreme Court decision invalidated some of Trump’s tariff applications, duties remain in place on sectors including aluminum, steel, automobiles, and lumber, impacting Canada’s economy.
According to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), the U.S.-Canada trade war has disrupted decades of cross-border cooperation. The CFIB is advocating for the release of funds collected through Canada’s retaliatory tariffs, and recent survey results indicate a significant impact on Canadian businesses. The organization also notes that tariffs on steel, aluminum, copper, some automotive parts, lumber and other wood products remain in place.
Canada has implemented counter-tariffs on U.S. Products in response to the initial tariffs imposed by the U.S., with a list of affected products maintained by the Department of Finance Canada. As of February 23, 2026, these counter-tariffs have been reduced to 10% on non-CUSMA compliant goods, down from 35%, while CUSMA-compliant goods remain exempt.
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has updated the Customs Tariff 2026, providing information for businesses, workers, and travellers affected by Canada-U.S. Relations. The tariff files reflect tariff treatments for countries with which Canada has tariff arrangements, as well as preferential treatments for products from free trade agreement partners.
Canada’s finance minister has stated that there “will be a price to access the American market,” suggesting that the removal of all tariffs is unlikely in the near future. No further meetings between U.S. And Canadian trade officials have been publicly scheduled beyond the previously announced discussions.
