Trade News

What changed.

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

29 articles · Through Sep 2, 2026
Sep 2, 2026
Canadian ResponseBNN Bloomberg

Ottawa Allocates More Than $14 Million to Nova Scotia Businesses Under Tariff-Response Program

The federal government announced more than $14.1 million in Regional Tariff Response Initiative funding for Ace Machining and 26 other Nova Scotia businesses and organizations to support adjustment to U.S. tariff-related pressures. The regional awards are among the first announced under an expanded federal tariff-support package that includes an additional $1.5 billion for the initiative.[1][2]

Sep 2, 2026
Economic DataFarm Credit Canada | FCC

FCC Links Tariff Escalation and Higher Bond Yields to Weaker Canadian Growth Outlook

Farm Credit Canada forecasts Canadian GDP growth near 1% in 2026, arguing that the August escalation of U.S. tariffs will weigh on non-energy exporters and the outlook into 2027. It says elevated U.S. Treasury yields are transmitting into Canadian long-term borrowing costs despite the Bank of Canada holding its policy rate at 2.25%.[1][2]

Sep 2, 2026
Industry ImpactThe Maine Wire

Sen. Susan Collins Cites $170 Million in Maine Exposure as She Urges Resumption of Canada Trade Talks

U.S. Senator Susan Collins urged the Commerce Department and USTR to resume negotiations with Canada, arguing that U.S. tariffs and Canada’s planned retaliation would raise costs and uncertainty for Maine businesses and communities. Her letter estimated that approximately US$170 million of Maine goods could face the announced Canadian tariffs, with forest products representing about 62% of that exposure.[1]

Forestry
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]

AutomotiveSteel & AluminumAgriculture
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 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 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.

AutomotiveSteel & AluminumAgriculture
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 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
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
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
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