Overview

• An Aug. 29 order-in-council removed Canadian counter-tariffs on nearly all U.S. goods except steel, aluminum and automobiles.
• The scope of the rollback went beyond Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Aug. 22 statement that removals would apply only to goods covered by CUSMA.
• Parts of the order were applied retroactively to earlier 2025 periods, raising questions about timing and disclosure.
• The Finance minister’s office says the change was designed to advance negotiations, provide stability to key sectors and safeguard Canada’s trading position.
• Trade lawyers say the practical impact is likely modest given that roughly 90% of U.S. imports are typically CUSMA-compliant, though opposition leader Pierre Poilievre is criticizing the government’s messaging.