Canada adjusts U.S. tariff response, removes seafood ahead of September 8 measures

By Tahani Elghazaly
Published August 27, 2026

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Canada has revised its latest list of retaliatory tariffs on U.S. imports, removing fish and seafood products from measures scheduled to take effect on September 8 after feedback from Canadian industries about potential economic harm.

The Department of Finance said the government had made "select adjustments" to protect against economic harm, including removing seafood and fish products from the counter tariff list. Ottawa said it continues to work with Canadian industries to assess the effectiveness of the measures, with a particular focus on sectors targeted by U.S. tariffs.

The change came a day after Ottawa announced a new retaliation package that originally targeted about $20 billion worth of annual U.S. imports. The initial list covered roughly 700 products, with tariff rates of 15%, 25% and 50%.

Following the seafood exemption, Canada's measures continue to cover a broad range of American products, including iron and steel, aluminum, clothing, machinery and electrical equipment, prepared foods, wood and paper products and furniture. The tariffs are due to take effect on September 8.

The Canadian response follows new U.S. tariffs of 50% on selected Canadian imports after trade talks between the two countries collapsed. Prime Minister Mark Carney's government has said its latest response will match Washington's measures dollar for dollar.

Removing seafood from the list shows Ottawa is adjusting its retaliation to maintain pressure on the United States while seeking to limit unintended costs for Canadian businesses and consumers. The government has not yet provided a revised value for the imports covered after the exemption.