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ARTICLE · 27 FEBRUARY 2026

Trump's New Tariffs - Not Hurting Canada?

Millar Kreklewetz
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Much of the current commentary surrounding the new US tariff measures has overlooked a central point – namely, that broad-based US tariff actions do NOT apply to Canadian-origin goods that properly qualify under CUSMA.

CanadaInternational Law
Robert Kreklewetz
Robert Kreklewetz
David West
David West

Much of the current commentary surrounding the new US tariff measures  has overlooked a central point – namely, that broad-based US tariff actions do NOT apply to Canadian-origin goods that properly qualify under CUSMA.

There are certainly some exceptions like in militarily strategic sectors (like steel and aluminum) and in sensitive economic sectors (like automotives and lumber) but the wider narrative suggesting sweeping tariff exposure for Canadian exports to the US is probably overstated. We provide additional insight below.

What Tariffs Currently Affect Canada?

Canada has generally been subject to sector-specific US tariff measures, including:

  • Steel and Aluminum – Section 232 tariffs impose 50% on steel and aluminum, including certain derivatives. The reason for these tariffs is to support the US steel and aluminum domestic industries, which are view (quite rightly) as militarily strategic.

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