Need to Know

• CCA says Canada’s countertariffs do not appear to directly target most coatings, adhesives, sealants and elastomers products.
• Some adhesive-related products and packaging and steel goods may be affected depending on their tariff classifications.
• CCA is asking members to submit quantified business-impact information by Sept. 4 to support requests for exclusions, remission or other relief.

Based on its initial review, CCA said the Canadian measures do not appear to directly target most coatings, adhesives, sealants and elastomers products. However, certain adhesive-related goods and products used by CASE manufacturers or their customers could be affected, including some packaging and steel products. The result for an individual company will depend on the specific tariff classification assigned to its goods.

PCI’s review of Canada’s published tariff schedule found no entries under HS headings 3208, 3209 or 3210, which cover many paints and varnishes, or heading 3206, which includes several pigments and coloring materials. The schedule does include adjacent products such as self-adhesive plastic films, PVC wall and floor coverings and painted, varnished or plastics-coated steel.

CCA said its preliminary assessment suggests the Canadian package is more heavily focused on finished consumer products than on core manufacturing inputs. The association cautioned that the actual implications will depend on tariff classifications, sourcing arrangements, exclusions, remission provisions and future government decisions. It also said additional clarification may be forthcoming for certain packaging and steel-related products.

The association is asking members to provide detailed examples of increased costs for raw materials, packaging, equipment, parts or other manufacturing inputs. It is also seeking information about lost sales, contract disruptions, sourcing difficulties and delayed investments.

CCA said particularly useful submissions would identify affected HS classifications, annual trade values, specific products, available sourcing alternatives and estimated financial or operating effects. Where possible, companies are being asked to quantify increased costs, reduced sales, investment delays, employment effects or lost business opportunities.

Member information will be used to support CCA’s discussions with government and potential requests for tariff exclusions, remission or other relief. CCA said company information will be treated confidentially and aggregated unless permission is received to share a specific example. The requested deadline is Friday, Sept. 4.

The federal government has also announced a $7.5 billion support package for affected workers and businesses. Measures include expanded regional assistance for small and medium-sized companies, a new liquidity stream through the Business Development Bank of Canada’s Pivot to Grow program, the Canada Strong Diversification Fund and changes to the Large Enterprise Tariff Loan facility.

CCA continues to argue that tariffs and countertariffs are incompatible with the CASE sector’s integrated North American supply chains and that a negotiated resolution would provide the greatest predictability for manufacturers.

Sources: CCA member trade alert provided to PCI, Aug. 27, 2026; Department of Finance Canada tariff schedule; and federal tariff-support measures.

The association’s assessment is relevant to PCI readers following regulations and trade policies affecting coatings raw materials, finished products, packaging and manufacturing inputs.