New U.S. tariffs are now in effect on selected Canadian goods, creating a new layer of uncertainty for businesses that sell into the United States, purchase U.S. inputs, or depend on cross-border supply chains.
After Canada-U.S. trade negotiations broke down, the United States allowed a new 50 per cent tariff on selected Canadian products to take effect on August 22, 2026. The affected goods are estimated at approximately $20 billion – about five per cent of Canada’s annual exports to the United States – and include products across several industries.
The Government of Canada has announced a dollar-for-dollar response scheduled to begin September 8. It has identified steel, dairy, appliances, agricultural equipment, pulp and paper, and electronics among the sectors expected to be included, with full details still to come.
What this could mean for Chilliwack businesses
Not every local business will face a tariff directly. However, tariff pressure can move quickly through supply chains, pricing, transportation, purchasing decisions, and customer demand. A business may be affected as an exporter, an importer, a supplier to another affected company, or a customer purchasing goods that become more expensive.
- Businesses exporting covered goods may become less competitive for U.S. customers or experience delayed and cancelled orders.
- Businesses purchasing U.S. goods or components may face higher costs once Canadian counter-tariffs take effect.
- Companies not directly covered may still see changes in supplier pricing, shipping, lead times, and customer spending.
- Covered products can be tariffed regardless of CUSMA origin status, making product classification and customs advice especially important.
Six practical steps to take now
- Confirm your exposure. Review the products you export to or import from the United States. Confirm tariff classification, country of origin, and treatment with a customs broker or qualified trade adviser.
- Map your supply chain. Identify U.S.-sourced materials, equipment, packaging, technology, and finished goods that could be affected directly or indirectly.
- Talk to customers and suppliers. Ask how they plan to handle pricing, delivery timelines, contracts, and alternative sourcing. Early conversations can reduce surprises.
- Document the impact. Track added costs, lost orders, delays, cancelled contracts, staffing decisions, and other measurable effects. Clear examples help shape effective support programs.
- Explore Canadian and international options. Where practical, look for customers and suppliers in other provinces and international markets to reduce reliance on a single cross-border channel.
- Share what you are seeing. Your experience gives the Chamber network the evidence it needs to advocate for responsive government measures and practical business support.
Make your experience count
If your business is losing U.S. customers, facing higher costs on U.S. inputs, or experiencing another tariff-related impact, complete the BC Chamber network’s short business-impact form. It takes approximately two minutes. Share your business experience.
You can also contact the Chilliwack Chamber directly at info@chilliwackchamber.com. Even a short account of what has changed for your business is useful.
Our role. The Chilliwack Chamber is working through the BC Chamber network to collect real-time business experiences, inform government discussions, and share new resources and market connections as they become available.
Trade conditions are changing quickly. We will continue to provide practical updates while ensuring that Chilliwack businesses have a clear way to be heard. Together, our local experience becomes a stronger provincial voice.
Information current as of August 24, 2026. Tariff treatment depends on product classification, origin, shipment details, and other factors. Businesses should confirm their specific obligations with a customs broker, legal adviser, or qualified trade professional.
Sources and useful links
Prime Minister of Canada – August 22 trade remarks – Canada’s announced response and expected sectors
White House tariff fact sheet – Scope and application of the U.S. measures
Reuters – August 22 tariff report – Affected-value estimate and implementation timing
BC Chamber network business-impact form – Share how tariffs are affecting your business