President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Canadian goods continue to create confusion for many. To clarify, here is a comprehensive overview of the current tariffs affecting Canadian exports to the United States, detailing the products impacted and the legal basis behind Trump’s trade policies.
Steel and aluminum tariffs were initially set at 25% on March 12, 2025, and subsequently increased to 50% on June 4, under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act. This legislation empowers the president to impose tariffs in defense of American industries based on national security threats identified through Commerce Department investigations.
For passenger vehicles, trucks, and auto parts, a 25% tariff was imposed on April 3 for vehicles, May 3 for parts, and November 1 for trucks. However, exemptions apply to U.S. content in imported vehicles and compliant parts under the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).
The U.S. has long imposed duties on Canadian softwood lumber, alleging subsidies from provinces. The Trump administration significantly raised these tariffs in 2025, with current rates exceeding 35.16%. Additionally, a global 10% tariff on softwood timber and lumber came into effect on October 14.
Among other Section 232 tariffs are those on copper (50% since August 1), upholstered furniture, kitchen cabinets, and vanities (25% since October 14), and buses (10% since November 1).
Furthermore, a 10% tariff on various exports was imposed on February 24, 2026, set to expire on July 24 unless extended by Congress. This tariff, authorized under Section 122 of the Trade Act, targets balance-of-payments deficits but exempts products compliant with CUSMA terms or already subject to Section 232 sectoral tariffs.
It is noteworthy that nearly 90% of Canadian exports to the U.S. are not impacted by this temporary tariff, imposed as a response to a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that invalidated previous tariffs, including those on Canada linked to fentanyl trafficking allegations.