Important Reminder: Upcoming Section 338 Tariff Changes and Canadian Import Bans 

As key implementation dates approach, we are republishing the following article as an important reminder for importers. The modified Section 338 tariffs take effect September 15, 2026, followed by the import bans on certain Canadian-origin products on September 29, 2026. Importers should review their potential impacts. 

Modifications to Section 338 Tariffs and New U.S. Import Bans on Canadian Goods 

On September 8, 2026, President Trump issued a series of proclamations that both modify the existing Section 338 tariff measures and impose new import prohibitions on certain Canadian-origin products, including alcoholic beverages, dairy products, molasses, non-alcoholic beer, and certain motorcycles. 

The modifications to the Section 338 tariffs will take effect on September 15, 2026. According to the accompanying White House fact sheet, these tariffs will apply regardless of whether goods qualify for preferential treatment under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and will be assessed in addition to any applicable Section 232 duties, resulting in increased duty exposure for affected imports. 

The new import bans will become effective on September 29, 2026, at which time the affected Canadian-origin products will be prohibited from importation into the United States. 

Importers should carefully review their US imports, and product classifications to evaluate the impact of these new measures and prepare for the upcoming implementation dates. 

Willson International will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as additional guidance becomes available. 

Fact sheet: https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2026/09/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-responds-to-canadas-retaliation/ 

https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2026/09/modifying-the-scope-of-products-of-canada-subject-to-the-additional-duties-imposed-to-offset-canadian-discrimination-against-the-united-states-with-respect-to-motor-vehicles

https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2026/09/excluding-certain-canadian-alcoholic-beverages-from-importation-into-the-united-states-in-response-to-continued-discrimination-against-the-commerce-of-the-united-states-with-respect-to-alcoholic-bever

Proclamations and Annexes https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2026/09/excluding-certain-canadian-products-from-importation-into-the-united-states-in-response-to-continued-discrimination-against-the-commerce-of-the-united-states-with-respect-to-dairy

https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2026/09/modifying-the-scope-of-products-of-canada-subject-to-the-additional-duties-imposed-to-offset-canadian-discrimination-against-the-commerce-of-the-united-states-with-respect-to-alcoholic-beverages

https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2026/09/excluding-certain-canadian-products-from-importation-into-the-united-states-in-response-to-continued-discrimination-against-the-commerce-of-the-united-states-with-respect-to-motor-vehicles