As of January 19, 2025, the tariffs Canada charged the United States were governed primarily by the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which facilitated tariff-free trade for most goods between the two nations, provided they met specific rules of origin. However, certain sectors, particularly those under Canada’s supply management system or subject to specific trade policies, faced tariffs.

Below is a list of notable tariffs Canada imposed on U.S. goods as of that date, ranked from largest to smallest percentage. These reflect standard Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) rates or over-quota tariffs under the supply management system, as no broad retaliatory tariffs against the U.S. were in place at that time (such measures began later, on March 4, 2025, in response to U.S. tariffs).

The rates are drawn from Canada’s Customs Tariff schedule and trade policies effective in early 2025, prior to the escalation of the U.S.-Canada trade war.

Butter - 298% Explanation: Applies to butter and dairy fats/oils (e.g., HS 0405). This over-quota tariff is part of Canada’s supply management system for dairy, designed to limit imports beyond set quotas and protect domestic producers from U.S. competition.

Milk - 270% Explanation: Covers fluid milk and cream (e.g., HS 0401). This high tariff applies to U.S. imports exceeding USMCA quotas, supporting Canada’s dairy industry by restricting foreign milk supply.

Cheese - 245% Explanation: Encompasses various cheeses (e.g., HS 0406), such as cheddar and mozzarella. An over-quota tariff under supply management, it shields Canadian cheese producers from U.S. imports.

Chicken - 237-238% Explanation: Applies to chicken meat (e.g., HS 0207), including whole birds and cuts. This over-quota tariff protects Canada’s poultry sector, limiting U.S. imports beyond USMCA allowances.

Eggs - 163% Explanation: Covers eggs in the shell (e.g., HS 0407). Part of the supply-managed egg sector, this tariff restricts U.S. imports exceeding quotas to stabilize domestic production.

Wheat - 94% Explanation: Applies to wheat and wheat products (e.g., HS 1001). While most U.S. wheat entered tariff-free under USMCA, this rate could apply to non-qualifying shipments, reflecting agricultural protection.

Sausages - 69.9% Explanation: Covers sausages and similar prepared meats (e.g., HS 1601). This tariff, likely an MFN rate, protects Canada’s processed meat industry from U.S. imports not covered by USMCA preferences.

Barley Seed - 57% Explanation: Applies to barley for seeding (e.g., HS 1003). This tariff supports Canadian grain farmers, though most U.S. barley qualified for tariff-free entry under USMCA if rules of origin were met.

Copper - 48% Explanation: Covers copper and copper articles (e.g., HS 7403). This rate might apply to specific U.S. copper products not qualifying for USMCA exemptions, reflecting industrial protection.

Aluminum - 45% Explanation: Applies to aluminum and aluminum articles (e.g., HS 7601). Most U.S. aluminum entered tariff-free under USMCA, but this rate could apply to non-qualifying goods or specific categories.

Cars - 45% Explanation: Covers passenger vehicles (e.g., HS 8703). Most U.S. cars entered tariff-free under USMCA with 62.5% North American content, but this rate could apply to non-compliant imports. Bovine/Meat - 26.5% Explanation: Applies to beef and veal (e.g., HS 0201-0202) exceeding USMCA quotas. This tariff protects Canada’s beef industry, though most U.S. beef was tariff-free within quota limits.

Steel - 25% Explanation: Covers steel products (e.g., HS 7208). Most U.S. steel entered tariff-free under USMCA by January 2025, but this rate could apply to specific non-qualifying products.

Context and Notes: Supply Management: The highest tariffs (butter, milk, cheese, chicken, eggs) are tied to Canada’s supply management system, which uses tariff-rate quotas (TRQs) to control imports.

Within-quota U.S. imports faced low or no tariffs under USMCA, but over-quota rates were prohibitive. USMCA Framework: As of January 19, 2025, the USMCA ensured most U.S. goods entered Canada tariff-free if they met origin rules. The listed tariffs applied only to exceptions or over-quota imports.

Pre-Trade War: This reflects the tariff environment before February 1, 2025, when U.S. President Trump announced new tariffs, prompting Canada’s retaliatory measures starting March 4, 2025 (e.g., 25% on $30 billion of U.S. goods, later expanded).

These tariffs represent Canada’s standard trade policy toward the U.S. as of January 19, 2025, focusing on protecting key agricultural and industrial sectors, with most other goods enjoying tariff-free access under USMCA.

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