Recent changes to U.S.–Canada trade policy are creating a more complex environment for businesses operating across North America.

In July 2026, the United States announced additional 50% tariffs on specified Canadian products under Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930. Originally scheduled to take effect on 19 August, implementation was temporarily suspended for three days, moving the effective date to 22 August 2026.

The measures are targeted at specified products rather than applying universally to Canadian imports.

For publishers, printers and distributors, the important consideration is therefore not simply whether a tariff applies to a finished book, but how changing trade measures could affect the wider print and publishing supply chain.

Why U.S.–Canada trade changes matter to publishers

The publishing industry relies on interconnected supply chains spanning books, paper, packaging, printing, warehousing and distribution.

The latest U.S. Section 338 measures impose an additional 50% tariff on specified Canadian products. The measures took effect on 22 August 2026 following a temporary three-day suspension of their original implementation date.

Importantly for the publishing sector, the affected classifications include several paper products, meaning businesses should consider their exposure beyond finished books.

Businesses can review the official U.S. measures through the three Federal Register proclamations covering alcoholic beverages, dairy products and motor vehicles. The detailed Annex II list of affected tariff classifications is also available from the White House.

1. Understand your tariff exposure

The latest measures apply to specified Canadian products rather than all imports from Canada.

Businesses should therefore confirm the tariff classification, country of origin and applicable tariff treatment of the individual products they move.

For publishers, this is particularly important where shipments include products beyond conventional printed books, including paper products, stationery, promotional materials, packaging or other ancillary items.

Accurate classification can help businesses determine the appropriate duty treatment and reduce the risk of incorrect payments, customs queries or delays.

2. Consider indirect supply chain costs

Tariffs do not have to apply directly to a finished book to affect its overall cost.

Publishers should consider exposure across printing, paper and packaging, transportation, warehousing and distribution. Changes in supplier costs, sourcing arrangements or trading patterns may affect landed costs and inventory requirements.

Understanding where Canadian-origin materials and suppliers feature within the supply chain can help identify potential exposure.

3. Review customs classifications and origin data

Publishers and distributors importing into the United States should ensure that:

• HTS classifications are accurate and appropriate
• Country-of-origin information is correctly determined and documented
• Product and supplier information is maintained and accessible
• Customs documentation accurately reflects the goods being imported

Country of origin should not simply be assumed from the country from which goods are shipped. Where production involves more than one country, the applicable origin rules may require further assessment.

Businesses claiming preferential treatment under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) should also ensure the relevant rules and supporting documentation are understood.

Importantly, USMCA qualification does not automatically exempt a covered product from the new Section 338 measures. Businesses should assess the treatment applicable to the specific products they import.

4. Factor Canadian counter-tariffs into planning

Businesses trading in both directions should also consider Canada's response.

In response to the new U.S. Section 338 tariffs, Canada has announced dollar-for-dollar retaliatory tariffs that are expected to take effect on 8 September 2026. The measures range from 15% to 50% and target more than 700 U.S. product lines.

The highest additional duties apply to specified steel and aluminium products at 50%, with other affected products including appliances, agricultural equipment, electronics, seafood, dairy, and pulp and paper products.

For publishers and printers, the inclusion of pulp and paper products makes it particularly important to understand whether U.S.-origin materials moving into Canada are affected.

Businesses importing U.S.-origin goods into Canada should therefore review the applicable product classifications and assess whether additional duties could affect their supply chain.

The Government of Canada maintains an official list of U.S. products subject to Canadian counter-tariffs.

5. Strengthen landed-cost planning

Businesses should look beyond headline duty rates when assessing exposure.

Landed-cost planning should consider customs duties alongside brokerage and administrative costs, transportation, warehousing and inventory requirements.

Publishers working with Canadian or U.S. suppliers may also want to review commercial agreements to understand how additional duties or other cost increases would be treated.

Scenario planning can help identify the potential financial impact if tariff measures change or additional products become affected.

6. Review sourcing and inventory strategies

Businesses with significant U.S.–Canada exposure should understand what alternative sourcing, printing, warehousing or distribution options are available.

This does not necessarily mean changing established supply chains. Instead, identifying alternatives can provide greater flexibility if costs, lead times or customs requirements change.

Safety-stock levels, purchasing schedules and the balance of inventory held across U.S. and Canadian facilities may also warrant review.

What should book businesses do now?

The immediate priority should be understanding exposure rather than making wholesale changes to established supply chains.

Publishers and distributors should review the products and materials they move between Canada and the United States, confirm tariff classifications and origin data, and identify where Canadian or U.S. suppliers and materials feature within their operations.

It is particularly important to distinguish between conventional printed books and other products that may form part of a publisher's portfolio or shipment.

With both U.S. tariffs and Canadian countermeasures developing, accurate customs data and supply chain visibility will help businesses respond quickly as requirements change.

How Woodland Group can help

Woodland Group supports publishers, printers and distributors with specialist freight, customs, warehousing, fulfilment and supply chain solutions.

Our U.S. customs teams can support businesses with tariff classification, customs clearance and compliance requirements, while our dedicated print and publishing teams help customers manage the international movement and distribution of books and related products.

If your business moves books, printed materials or related products between Canada and the United States, speak to your Woodland representative or our customs and compliance team to understand how changing trade requirements could affect your supply chain.

Information correct as of 25 August 2026. Tariff measures and trade requirements remain subject to change.