Trade News

What changed.

Verified developments affecting Canada–U.S. trade, organized by the date they were reported.

26 articles · Through Sep 2, 2026

Sep 2, 2026

Economic DataThe Globe and Mail

Bank of Canada Holds Policy Rate at 2.25% as New Tariffs Add Growth and Inflation Risks

The Bank of Canada held its overnight target rate at 2.25% on September 2, saying the recovery has broadly tracked its July outlook but faces greater uncertainty from newly announced U.S. tariffs and Canadian counter-measures. The Bank said those measures could increase costs for some businesses and feed into consumer prices over time, alongside inflation risks from elevated energy prices.

Sep 1, 2026

U.S. ActioniPolitics

Senate Democrats Introduce Bill to Revoke and Refund Latest U.S. Tariffs on Canada

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer introduced the End Trump’s Tariff Tax Act, which the release says would revoke and refund the latest U.S. tariffs, including 50% tariffs on Canada, and repeal or limit authorities used to impose them. The proposal is co-sponsored by 13 other senators; the release does not state that it has passed or taken effect.

Sep 1, 2026

Economic DataMexico Business News

Mexico’s Exports to Canada Rose 20.2% in First Half of 2026, Led by Vehicles

Banco de México data showed Mexican exports to Canada reached US$12.26 billion from January through June 2026, up 20.2% from a year earlier. Vehicles, tractors and parts accounted for US$6.98 billion, rising 41.9% and representing 57% of Mexico’s sales to Canada. The article also reported that Canadian purchases of U.S. goods fell 3% in 2025 while purchases from Mexico rose 19.6%.

Automotive

Sep 1, 2026

NegotiationThe Guardian

U.S. Trade Representative Says Canada-U.S. Trade Talks Are Not Underway

U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said no Canada-U.S. trade negotiations are currently taking place, confirming that the late-August breakdown has not been reversed. Prime Minister Mark Carney said Canada could engage in substantive talks when U.S. officials were ready, while Canada’s announced retaliatory tariffs remained scheduled to begin September 8. [1]

Sep 1, 2026

Industry ImpactWJR-AM

Michigan Manufacturers Flag Potential Exposure to Canada’s September 8 Counter-Tariffs

Michigan manufacturers are preparing for Canadian counter-tariffs scheduled to take effect September 8, with the Michigan Manufacturing Association warning that the state’s broad industrial supply chains could make it unusually exposed. WJR cited a Detroit News estimate that roughly US$1.5 billion in Michigan exports could be affected and identified automotive, cement and food-related activity as areas of concern.[1]

Automotive Steel & Aluminum Agriculture

Sep 1, 2026

Industry ImpactTissue Online North America

Paper and Tissue Importers Face 25–50% Tariffs on U.S. Goods

Canadian counter-tariffs scheduled for September 8 include 25% duties on U.S. toilet paper and several tissue products, while some facial-tissue stock and school or office paper products face 50%. Canadian importers now have to assess landed costs and alternative suppliers across an integrated North American paper market.

Forestry

Aug 30, 2026

Business ResponseUnifor

Unifor Ratifies GM Deal Covering 4,600 Ontario Auto Workers

Unifor members ratified three-year agreements covering more than 4,600 workers at four Ontario GM facilities. The contracts secure new investment in Oshawa and St. Catharines, while providing temporary income protection—but no new production commitment—for the idled CAMI plant.

Automotive

Aug 29, 2026

Economic DataGlobe and Mail / CBC News

Canadian Banks Beat Q3 Estimates; RBC Cites Limited Tariff Exposure

RBC, TD, and CIBC reported third-quarter profits above analyst estimates. RBC CEO Dave McKay said more than 80% of Canadian exports remain duty-free and the average effective tariff rate is approximately 6%. TD said it holds about C$500 million in reserves for policy and trade risks.

Automotive Steel & Aluminum Forestry Agriculture

Aug 28, 2026

Economic DataStatistics Canada

Canada's Q2 GDP Grew 3.3% Annualized — Strongest Since 2023 — As Trade War Escalated

Canada's real GDP grew 0.8% in the second quarter of 2026, equivalent to a 3.3% annualized rate and the strongest quarterly expansion since 2023. Final domestic demand rose 1.0%, June GDP increased 0.3%, and Statistics Canada's preliminary estimate indicated little change in July.

Automotive Steel & Aluminum Forestry Agriculture Energy

Aug 28, 2026

Economic DataOxford Economics

Oxford Economics: Latest Tariff Escalation Could Cut Canada's 2027 GDP by 0.3 Points

Oxford Economics estimates the latest U.S. tariff escalation and Canadian counter-tariffs could leave Canada's real GDP 0.3 percentage points below its August baseline in 2027 and lift consumer prices by 0.3 percentage points. The forecast is an estimate, not an observed result.

Automotive Steel & Aluminum Forestry Agriculture

Aug 26, 2026

Industry ImpactReuters

Automakers Face Threat of 50% U.S. Tariffs on Canadian Vehicles in January

Automakers are preparing for U.S. tariffs on Canadian vehicles and parts to rise from 25% to 50% on January 1, 2027 if no agreement is reached. Reuters reported that Canadian-built vehicles represented about 6% of U.S. sales in 2025, while industry sources said the January deadline may leave room for further negotiations.

Automotive

Aug 25, 2026

Canadian ResponseCBC News / Washington Post / Global NewsForecast update

Canada Announces Retaliatory Tariffs on $27.6B of U.S. Goods

After trade talks collapsed and U.S. Section 338 tariffs took effect, Ottawa announced 15–50% counter-tariffs on approximately 874 U.S. products, effective September 8, 2026. Targets include steel, dairy, appliances, agricultural equipment, pulp and paper, and electronics.

Automotive Steel & Aluminum Agriculture

Aug 24, 2026

U.S. ActionFox Business / CNBC / Al JazeeraForecast update

Trump Threatens 50% Tariffs on Canadian Autos and Steel from January 2027

Following the collapse of trade talks on August 21, Trump announced tariffs on Canadian automobiles and auto parts will rise from 25% to 50% on January 1, 2027. He also threatened to raise steel tariffs further. Carney called the U.S. terms 'unfair and uneconomic' and suspended negotiations.

Automotive Steel & Aluminum

Aug 22, 2026

U.S. ActionWashington Post / ReutersForecast update

U.S. Section 338 Tariffs Take Effect After Trade Deal Collapses

50% Section 338 tariffs on Canadian dairy, alcohol, and motor vehicles took effect after a brief 3-day pause. First use of Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930. Trade talks between Carney and Trump officials collapsed, ending the pause.

Automotive Agriculture

Aug 22, 2026

Canadian ResponseCBC News / Prime Minister's Office

Canada Lifts Some Import Tariffs on U.S. Goods in Bid to Restart Trade Talks

Alongside its counter-tariff announcement, the Carney government indicated it would lift select tariffs on U.S. agricultural products, consumer goods, and machinery effective September 1, as a negotiating gesture. Carney noted approximately 85% of bilateral trade is already tariff-free. The selective easing is separate from the broader September 8 counter-tariff package, which remains on track.

Automotive Steel & Aluminum Agriculture

Aug 14, 2026

Industry ImpactUniforForecast update

Unifor Says Stellantis Is Considering Sale or Closure of Brampton Plant

Unifor said Stellantis informed the union on August 12 that it intended to discuss a potential sale of the idled Brampton Assembly Plant with another company. Stellantis said it remained focused on finding a sustainable manufacturing solution; no sale or closure had been confirmed.

Automotive

Jul 24, 2026

U.S. ActionPwC CanadaForecast update

Section 301 Tariff Hits Canada and 59 Other Countries Over Forced Labor

USTR imposed a 10% tariff on Canadian goods under Section 301, citing failure to enforce forced labor import prohibitions. Not Canada-specific — 60 countries affected. USMCA-compliant goods are exempt.

Steel & Aluminum Forestry Agriculture

Jul 15, 2026

Price ImpactDalhousie University Food Price Report / Statistics Canada

Canadian Food Prices Up 4–6% Year-Over-Year as Tariff Costs Flow Through

Canada's Food Price Report projects 4–6% food price increases in 2026, with an average family of four spending up to $994 more annually. Tariffs and counter-tariffs are a significant driver. Tomato prices surged 45% YoY. Beef, chicken, and vegetables lead increases.

Agriculture

Jul 1, 2026

NegotiationWhite & Case / USTRForecast update

U.S. Declines to Extend CUSMA, Triggering Annual Review Process

At the mandatory six-year joint review, the U.S. declined to confirm a 16-year extension of CUSMA/USMCA. The agreement remains in force but faces annual reviews until 2036. Canada has not begun substantive text-based negotiations with the U.S.

Automotive Steel & Aluminum Forestry Agriculture Energy

Feb 1, 2026

LegalMultiple / Wikipedia timelineForecast update

U.S. Supreme Court Rules IEEPA Cannot Be Used to Impose Tariffs

The Supreme Court held that IEEPA does not authorize the President to impose tariffs, invalidating the legal basis for the 25–35% broad tariffs on Canadian goods that had been in force since February 2025. CBP stopped collecting IEEPA tariffs on February 24. Importers became eligible for refunds.

Automotive Steel & Aluminum Forestry Agriculture Energy

Dec 1, 2025

Business ResponseCER / Asia Pacific Foundation

Trans Mountain Expansion Drives Record Non-U.S. Oil Exports

Canadian crude exports to non-U.S. markets reached 676,000 barrels/day in November 2025, up from 234,000 a year earlier. TMX pipeline averaging 82% utilization. Producers earning $5–6 more per barrel on TMX-shipped crude vs. U.S. overland routes.

Energy

Sep 11, 2025

LegalGlobal Affairs Canada

Canada Launches CUSMA Chapter 10 Challenges on Softwood Lumber

Canada filed CUSMA Chapter 10 challenges against U.S. anti-dumping (Aug 28) and countervailing (Sept 11) duties on softwood lumber. Multiple legal venues being pursued simultaneously including WTO, NAFTA Chapter 19, and U.S. Court of International Trade.

Forestry

Aug 15, 2025

U.S. ActionU.S. Commerce Department / Wood CentralForecast update

Softwood Lumber Combined Duty Rate Rises to 35.16% After Administrative Review

The 2025 administrative review sharply increased combined CVD/AD duties on Canadian softwood lumber from 8.05% to 35.16% for most producers. Canfor faces 47.59%. These rates stack on top of the separate 10% Section 232 timber tariff.

Forestry

Jun 4, 2025

U.S. ActionEDC / Norton Rose FulbrightForecast update

U.S. Doubles Steel and Aluminum Tariffs to 50%

The Trump administration doubled Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from 25% to 50%, effective immediately. Canada remains the largest foreign supplier of both metals to the U.S.

Steel & Aluminum

Apr 3, 2025

ImplementationAssociated PressForecast update

25% Auto Tariff Takes Effect; Stellantis Pauses Windsor Production

The 25% Section 232 tariff on imported automobiles took effect. Stellantis then paused production at its Windsor, Ontario, assembly plant for two weeks, citing the tariff and related changes to North American production.

Automotive

Apr 3, 2025

ImplementationGlobe and Mail / Toronto StarForecast update

25% Auto Tariff Takes Effect, Ontario Plants Begin Production Halts

The 25% Section 232 tariff on imported automobiles officially took effect. GM Oshawa and Stellantis Windsor subsequently announced temporary production halts affecting thousands of workers, citing tariff uncertainty making production planning impossible.

Automotive