Canada Removes Seafood Tariffs Amid Trade Dispute With U.S.

The Government of Canada removed seafood and fish products from its list of 25 percent retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods on August 28, 2026. The decision came less than 36 hours after the tariffs were initially announced as part of a larger package responding to 50 percent tariffs imposed by the United States on August 22.

The Department of Finance stated the adjustment followed consultations with the food industry to protect against broader economic harms and food inflation. While seafood was spared, Canada will maintain other retaliatory measures effective September 8, including 50 percent tariffs on U.S. steel, aluminum, milk, and cream, and 25 percent tariffs on cheese and curd.

The move protects the Maine seafood industry, which exports nearly $300 million in products to Canada annually. Senator Angus King noted that while the industry dodged a bullet, U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum will still raise costs for lobster trap production. Senator Susan Collins urged the Trump administration to return to negotiations, stating that the two economies are inextricably linked.

In response to the trade volatility, Loblaw Companies Limited announced it will reinstate T labels to identify tariff-impacted products and use maple leaf logos to highlight Canadian-made goods.