Packaging Tariff & Trade Updates
Stay informed about tariff and trade developments that may affect packaging moving between the United States and Canada, including bottles, jars, closures, packaging components, tooling, sourcing, inventory and packaging supply chains.
Last Reviewed: September 3, 2026There is not one single U.S.–Canada packaging tariff. Multiple trade actions are currently affecting products moving between the United States and Canada. U.S. Section 338 tariffs on selected Canadian-origin goods took effect August 22, 2026. Canada has announced counter-tariffs on selected U.S.-origin goods effective September 8, 2026. Whether a specific packaging product is affected depends on factors including country of origin, tariff classification, shipment direction and the trade measure in effect at the time of importation.
Current U.S.–Canada Packaging Tariff Updates
Empire EMCO is monitoring tariff actions in both directions between the United States and Canada. Select the update that applies to the direction of your packaging shipment.
U.S. Tariffs on Canadian Packaging
Direction: Canada → United States
The United States implemented additional Section 338 duties on selected Canadian-origin products. Empire EMCO's August update addresses potential impacts involving certain plastic bottles, containers, closures and other packaging-related products imported from Canada.
Canada Counter-Tariffs on U.S.-Origin Packaging
Direction: United States → Canada
Canada has announced new counter-tariffs on selected U.S.-origin goods. Certain packaging, materials and packaging-related tooling appear on the September 8 tariff list.
Packaging Tariff Classification & Country of Origin Guide
Learn why product classification, country of origin and shipment direction must be confirmed before determining whether a bottle, jar, closure, component, mold or other packaging product may be subject to a tariff.
How Do I Determine Whether My Packaging Is Subject to a Tariff?
Start by confirming four things: what the product is, its tariff classification, its country of origin and the country into which it is being imported.
Then compare that information with the tariff or trade measure in effect on the date of importation. A packaging component should not be assumed to be subject to a tariff simply because it ships from the United States or Canada.
How the August and September Tariff Actions Relate
The current U.S.–Canada tariff situation developed in stages. Understanding the timeline can help clarify which trade action may apply to a particular shipment.
U.S. Announces Section 338 Actions
The United States announced additional tariffs on selected Canadian-origin goods under Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930.
U.S. Tariffs Take Effect
After the original August 19 effective date was temporarily suspended for three days, the additional U.S. duties took effect August 22, 2026.
Canada Announces Countermeasures
Canada announced counter-tariffs on selected U.S.-origin goods in response to the new U.S. tariff actions.
Canadian Counter-Tariffs Take Effect
Canada will apply new 15%, 25% and 50% tariffs to selected U.S.-origin products. The applicable rate depends on the specific tariff classification.
Why Should U.S. and Canadian Tariffs Be Reviewed Separately?
A packaging product should not be assumed to be subject to a tariff simply because it moves between the United States and Canada.
Direction Matters
Canada-to-U.S. shipments may be subject to a different trade measure than U.S.-to-Canada shipments.
Origin Matters
The country from which a product ships does not necessarily determine its country of origin.
Classification Matters
Bottles, jars, closures, tooling and other packaging components may fall under different tariff classifications.
Timing Matters
Effective dates, entry dates, goods already in transit and future policy changes can influence tariff treatment.
Do Not Apply a Headline Tariff Rate to Every Package
A 50% tariff announcement does not mean that every bottle, jar, closure or packaging component crossing the U.S.–Canada border automatically receives a 50% tariff. Applicability depends on the specific trade action, country of origin, tariff classification and circumstances of importation.
What Packaging Issues Does Empire EMCO Monitor?
Trade policy can affect individual packaging components as well as the complete supply program supporting them.
How Can Tariffs Affect a Packaging Program?
Tariffs may influence much more than the invoice price of a packaging component. Manufacturers should consider the complete operational impact.
What Should Manufacturers Review When Tariffs Change?
Early planning often provides more options than waiting until packaging is urgently required.
Tariff Strategy Is Part of a Larger Packaging Strategy
Empire EMCO helps manufacturers evaluate tariff exposure as part of the complete packaging program, including sourcing, engineering, inventory, logistics and total cost.
Global Sourcing Expertise
Evaluate qualified domestic and global manufacturing alternatives based on capability, quality, cost, tooling, logistics and lead time.
Explore Global Sourcing →Supply Chain Risk Reduction
Reduce sourcing dependence and improve packaging continuity through supplier diversification and supply planning.
Explore Supply Chain Risk Reduction →Inventory & Warehouse Programs
Support production with forecasting, safety stock, warehousing and scheduled inventory releases.
Explore Inventory Programs →Packaging Cost Reduction
Evaluate total packaging cost across component price, transportation, tooling, inventory and sourcing.
Explore Packaging Cost Reduction →Packaging Engineering Support
Evaluate alternate materials, designs, tooling and technical packaging options when supply conditions change.
Explore Engineering Support →Packaging Solutions
Explore Empire EMCO's complete approach to sourcing, engineering, inventory and packaging problem solving.
Explore Packaging Solutions →Where Can I Verify Current U.S.–Canada Tariff Information?
Tariff rules and implementation guidance can change. Empire EMCO uses government information when reviewing current trade developments, and customers should verify formal customs treatment with their customs broker or qualified trade professional.
White House – Section 338 Tariff Actions
Review official U.S. information regarding the Section 338 tariff actions and the August 22, 2026 effective date.
View Official U.S. InformationDepartment of Finance Canada – September 8 Counter-Tariffs
Review Canada's official list of U.S.-origin products subject to counter-tariffs effective September 8, 2026.
View Official Canadian InformationFormal Customs Determinations
Government tariff lists and Empire EMCO resources are useful for understanding potential exposure, but formal tariff classifications, origin determinations and import treatment should be confirmed with the importer of record, customs broker or other qualified trade professional.
Frequently Asked Questions About U.S.–Canada Packaging Tariffs
These answers are intended to help manufacturers understand how current trade actions may relate to their packaging programs.
Are all packaging products moving between the United States and Canada subject to tariffs?
No. Tariff applicability depends on the specific trade action, product classification, country of origin, destination country and circumstances of importation. A tariff announcement should not automatically be applied to every bottle, jar, closure or packaging component.
How do I determine whether my packaging is subject to a tariff?
Start by confirming the specific product, tariff or HS classification, country of origin and destination country. Then review the trade measure in effect on the date of importation. Formal customs treatment should be confirmed with a customs broker or qualified trade professional.
What is the difference between the August and September 2026 tariff actions?
The August 22 action involves additional U.S. duties on selected Canadian-origin goods imported into the United States. The September 8 action involves Canadian counter-tariffs on selected U.S.-origin goods imported into Canada.
When did the new U.S. Section 338 tariffs take effect?
The additional U.S. duties were originally scheduled for August 19, 2026. The effective date was subsequently moved three days to August 22, 2026.
When do Canada's September counter-tariffs take effect?
Canada's new counter-tariffs are scheduled to take effect at 12:01 a.m. on September 8, 2026. The announced rates are 15%, 25% and 50%, depending on the applicable tariff classification.
Does shipping from the United States make a product U.S.-origin?
Not necessarily. A product may be shipped or distributed from the United States while having been manufactured elsewhere. Country-of-origin rules should be reviewed separately from the physical shipping point.
Does shipping from Canada make a product Canadian-origin?
Not necessarily. A packaging component may ship from a Canadian distributor or warehouse while having been manufactured in another country. Shipping location and country of origin should be evaluated separately.
Why does tariff classification matter for packaging?
Tariff measures typically apply to specific tariff classifications. Bottles, jars, closures, pumps, sprayers, tooling and other packaging products may fall under different classifications and therefore may receive different tariff treatment.
Can Empire EMCO help identify alternate packaging sources?
Yes. Empire EMCO can help customers evaluate qualified domestic and global packaging alternatives based on manufacturing capability, quality, tooling, cost, logistics, lead time, inventory and supply requirements.
Can inventory planning help manage tariff and supply-chain risk?
Depending on the packaging program, forecasting, safety stock, warehousing and scheduled releases may provide additional flexibility while tariff policies or sourcing conditions are changing.
Concerned About Tariff Exposure in Your Packaging Program?
Talk with Empire EMCO about your packaging sources, production requirements, inventory and potential alternate supply strategies.
Discuss Your Packaging Tariff ExposureDisclaimer: This information is provided for general informational purposes and reflects publicly available information reviewed as of September 3, 2026. Tariff classifications, rates, implementation dates, exemptions, country-of-origin requirements and other trade rules may change. The applicability of a tariff depends on the specific product, classification, origin, destination, direction of shipment and circumstances of importation. This information should not be considered legal, tax or customs advice. Customers should consult their customs broker or other qualified trade professional regarding specific import transactions.