Radiators, most air conditioners, and LED luminaires and lighting fittings manufactured in the United States will be hit with retaliatory tariffs when imported into Canada, beginning Sept. 8. However, multifamily landlords and condominium corporations procuring for retrofits can still purchase mini-split heat pumps and air conditioner units free from the looming 15 per cent surcharge on other types of air conditioning equipment.

The Canadian government has released a long list of items to be subject to 15, 25 or 50 per cent counter-tariffs, in response to the U.S. government’s Aug. 22 imposition of a 50 per cent tariff on an extensive slate of Canadian imports. Canada’s countermeasures apply on $27.6 billion worth of U.S. goods largely matching product categories the U.S. has targeted.

That includes both products caught in the recent ambush and those that have been exposed to longer standing sectoral tariffs introduced in 2025. The countermeasures come in step with the promise of up to $75 billion in financial supports to help businesses maintain operational liquidity and workers bridge lost income.

“Our dollar-for-dollar, rate-for-rate counter-tariffs, as well as a multi-billion dollar support package, will protect workers, farmers, families and businesses as we build a stronger, more resilient, and more diversified Canadian economy,” asserts François-Philippe Champagne, Canada’s Minister of Finance and National Revenue.

An extensive slate of U.S.-sourced steel, aluminum and wood products are tapped for the counter-tariffs. That covers steel and aluminum in all forms prior to being fabricated into a product or structure, plywood and a range of wood furniture.

Drilling down to building systems, equipment and materials, importers will have to absorb or pass through various cost premiums of 15 to 50 per cent depending on the product.

The maximum 50 per cent surcharge will apply on:

• LED luminaires and lighting fittings;
• steel and aluminum windows, doors and associated frames;
• vinyl floor, wall and ceiling coverings;
• nails, tacks, staples and threaded items such as bolts, nuts, screws, rivets and washers;
• scaffolding; and
• protective suits for hazardous exposure environments.

A 25 per cent tariff will apply on:

• radiators;
• carpets;
• stainless steel sinks and basins;
• hinges; and
• bar or rod door exit devices.

Air conditioners, with the exception of mini-split heat pumps and air conditioner units, will be subject to a 15 per cent tariff.