Canada's New Tariffs: What Shoppers Should Know
Shopping from U.S. stores and shipping your purchases to Canada? A new round of Canadian tariffs could make certain U.S-origin products more expensive to import beginning in September.
Effective September 8, 2026, Canada will introduce new counter-tariffs of 15%, 25%, or 50% on selected products originating in the United States.
That doesn't mean every package shipped from the U.S. to Canada will suddenly cost more. The tariffs apply to specific products and are based on the goods' origin, not simply where you purchased or shipped them from.
Here's what MyUS members in Canada should know before their next shopping haul.
What's Changing for U.S. Goods Entering Canada?
The Government of Canada announced new counter-tariffs after the United States implemented additional tariffs on certain Canadian goods.
Beginning at 12:01 am on September 8, 2026, Canada will impose import tariffs of 15%, 25%, or 50% on selected U.S. origin products.
The countermeasures cover about C$27.6 billion in annual imports from the United States.
The exact tariff applied depends on the product's tariff classification.
Why Is Canada Introducing New Tariffs?
The new tariffs are part of an ongoing trade dispute between Canada and the United States.
On August 22, 2026, the United States implemented additional 50% tariffs on certain Canadian-origin goods under Section 338 of the U.S. Tariff Act of 1930.
Canada subsequently announced that it would respond with matching countermeasures on selected U.S. products.
Canada's new tariffs therefore aren't a general increase to the country's normal import duties. They're targeted counter-tariffs applied to specific goods originating in the United States.
For international shoppers, the distinction matters.
Which U.S. Products Are Affected by Canada's New Tariffs?
Canada's counter-tariff list covers hundreds of tariff classifications across several industries.
Major targeted sectors include:
- Steel
- Dairy products
- Appliances
- Agricultural equipment
- Pulp and paper products
- Electronics
- Furniture
The complete list is based on Harmonized System (HS) tariff classifications, and rates vary by product.
That means two products purchased from U.S. retailers could receive completely different tariff treatment when imported into Canada.
Does This Mean Everything Shipped from the U.S. Will Have a New Tariff?
No.
This is probably the most important thing for Canadian shoppers to understand.
Canada's counter-tariffs do not apply to every package entering Canada from the United States.
The new measures apply specifically to products included on Canada's counter-tariff list that originate in the United States.
Where a product is purchased and where it originates are not necessarily the same.
For example, you might purchase a product from a U.S. retailer that was manufactured in another country. The fact that your package ships from a U.S. store does not automatically make the product of U.S. origin for Canada's counter-tariffs.
Customs authorities determine origin and tariff treatment according to applicable Canadian customs rules.
How Could the New Canada Tariffs Affect MyUS Members?
If you're a MyUS member shipping purchases from the United States to Canada, keep a few things in mind.
Some Purchases Could Cost More to Import
The most direct impact is the potential for additional tariffs on qualifying products.
If a product falls under one of Canada's affected tariff classifications and meets the applicable U.S.-origin requirements, the new tariff could increase what you owe when the product enters Canada.
And with rates reaching as high as 50% for certain goods, the difference could be substantial.
Duties and Taxes Can Depend on the Product
The exact cost of importing a product into Canada can depend on several factors, including:
- Product classification
- Country of origin
- Declared value
- Applicable customs duties
- Taxes
- New counter-tariffs, when applicable
- Other applicable import charges
That's why checking the potential landed cost before making a large international purchase can be especially helpful.
What If My Package Is Already on Its Way to Canada?
Canada has included an import exception for shipments already moving before the new measures take effect.
The counter-tariffs will not apply to qualifying U.S. goods that are already in transit to Canada on September 8, 2026, when the new measures begin.
If you're planning to ship an affected product around the implementation date, keep your shipment and purchase documentation available in case customs authorities or your carrier require additional information.
Will MyUS Still Ship to Canada?
Yes.
The September 8 tariff changes do not prevent MyUS members from shipping packages from the United States to Canada.
Instead, they change the potential import cost of certain qualifying U.S.-origin products.
Members can keep shopping from eligible U.S. retailers, send their purchases to their MyUS address, and choose an available international shipping option to Canada.
How to Prepare Before Shipping to Canada?
Before making your next U.S. purchase, consider a few additional steps.
Check Whether Your Product is Affected
Canada has published its official list of tariff classifications subject to the September 8 countermeasures.
If you're purchasing a higher-value product, particularly one in an affected category, checking its tariff classification before ordering can help you understand whether additional charges may apply.
Check the Product's Country of Origin
Don't assume something is U.S.-origin simply because you're buying it from an American store.
Check the manufacturer's information, product listing, packaging, or other available documentation for country-of-origin information.
Keep Your Purchase Documentation
Save your retailer invoice, order confirmation, product information, and other relevant records.
You may need accurate documentation if customs requires additional information.
Consider the Total Cost Before You Buy
International shopping isn't only about the sticker price.
Before purchasing a higher-value item, consider the potential cost of:
Product + U.S. domestic shipping + international shipping + applicable duties + taxes + other import charges.
For affected U.S.-origin products, Canada's new counter-tariffs may now become another part of that calculation.
Shop the U.S. and Ship to Canada with Confidence
Canada's new counter-tariffs represent a significant change in U.S.-Canada trade, but they don't mean Canadian shoppers need to stop shopping from their favorite U.S. stores.
Instead, knowing what you're purchasing matters more than ever.
Starting September 8, 2026, select U.S.-origin goods will face additional Canadian tariffs ranging from 15% to 50%. Other products will remain outside these new countermeasures.
Before you buy, check the product's country of origin, understand whether it falls into an affected category, and factor potential import costs into your shopping budget.
With a little preparation, MyUS members can continue accessing U.S. stores while making more informed international shipping decisions.
This article is provided for informational purposes only. Customs regulations, tariff classifications, duties, taxes, and import requirements can change. Canadian customs authorities make the final determination regarding product classification, origin, admissibility, and applicable import charges.