The Canadian Construction Association (CCA) has published a new bulletin to help contractors understand Canada’s latest counter-tariffs and what they could mean for projects, costs, and supply chains. Get your copy here.
In response to the 50 per cent U.S. tariff on Canadian exports, the Government of Canada is introducing $27.6 billion in dollar-for-dollar counter-tariffs on U.S. goods, effective September 8, 2026.
As a net importer of critical construction materials, the industry is particularly vulnerable to increased costs and supply chain pressures. The new measures will double tariffs on U.S. steel and aluminum, including structural and derivative products, from 25 per cent to 50 per cent. Tariffs of 25 to 50 per cent also remain in place on lumber, plywood and other construction-related wood products.
VRCA is working closely with CCA, BCCA, and our regional construction association partners to understand the potential impacts, keep members informed, and ensure the concerns of Lower Mainland contractors are heard.
What’s affected
– Steel and aluminum: Tariffs on structural and derivative products are doubling from 25 to 50 per cent
– Lumber and wood products: Plywood, LVL, and sawn wood are facing 25 to 50 per cent tariffs
– Dozens of specific construction inputs: Fasteners, HVAC equipment, scaffolding, doors/windows, lifting machinery, and more, will be hit with rates from 15 to 50 per cent
– Goods already in transit before the effective date are excluded
What you should do now
– Review your contracts. CCDC published Bulletin 11 — Adjustments in Contract Price Due to Tariffs for exactly this situation. Check it against your active agreements.
– Talk to your project partners. Early, candid conversations about cost exposure now will save disputes later.
– Check the support programs. Ottawa added $7.5 billion in new measures, including expanded SME support, a diversification fund, EI flexibilities for affected workers, and enhanced liquidity loans.
We want to hear from you
VRCA continues working with CCA, BCCA and our regional construction association partners; we need to hear directly from members about how these tariffs are affecting your business and projects.
Let us know if you have an affected product that is critical to your operations, no practical alternative is available, or the tariffs could significantly impact project costs or timelines by contacting Craig Larkins (craig@vrca.ca), VRCA’s Director of Advocacy & Engagement.
Please share your examples with the VRCA team. Real-world insights will help strengthen our advocacy and provide us with the evidence needed to demonstrate the industry’s impact to all levels of government and push for targeted relief.