🇨🇦 Canada vs 🇲🇽 Mexico Tariffs — Import Duty Comparison (2026)

🇨🇦

Canada

Section 122 Rate10%

Section 301N/A

Section 232 (Metals)50%

Trade AgreementUSMCA

Trade Volume$783B

Base Effective Rate10%

🇲🇽

Mexico

Section 122 Rate10%

Section 301N/A

Section 232 (Metals)50%

Trade AgreementUSMCA

Trade Volume$779B

Base Effective Rate10%

Product Overlap

Both countries export these product categories to the US:

Crude oilMotor vehicles

🇨🇦 Canada Advantages

+Higher US trade volume ($783B vs $779B)
+Unique export categories: Natural gas, Lumber, Aluminum

🇲🇽 Mexico Advantages

+Unique export categories: Auto parts, Computers, Electrical machinery

When choosing between Canada and Mexico as import sources, US businesses must weigh tariff rates, trade agreements, product availability, and supply chain logistics.

Both countries face the same base tariff rate of 10% on most goods entering the United States.

Both countries export Crude oil, Motor vehicles to the United States, creating direct competition in these sectors.

In terms of trade volume, Canada accounts for approximately $783B in bilateral trade with the US, exceeding Mexico's $779B.

Both countries are subject to the 10% Section 122 tariff imposed on February 24, 2026, following the Supreme Court's ruling striking down IEEPA tariffs. This rate expires approximately July 24, 2026 unless Congress extends it.

Canada's advantages include: Higher US trade volume ($783B vs $779B); Unique export categories: Natural gas, Lumber, Aluminum. Mexico's advantages include: Unique export categories: Auto parts, Computers, Electrical machinery.

With equivalent base tariff rates, the choice between Canada and Mexico depends primarily on product-specific duties, shipping costs, lead times, and supply chain considerations rather than the base tariff rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which has lower tariffs — Canada or Mexico?

Both countries face the same base Section 122 tariff of 10%. The difference comes from product-specific duties, Section 301 (China only), and Section 232 (metals).

Should I switch sourcing from Canada to Mexico?

The decision depends on more than tariff rates. Consider total landed cost (shipping, insurance, customs fees), lead times, quality standards, minimum order quantities, and supply chain reliability. With equivalent base rates, focus on non-tariff factors.

Do both Canada and Mexico face the same Section 122 tariff?

Yes, both countries are subject to the 10% Section 122 tariff imposed on February 24, 2026. This flat rate replaced the variable IEEPA tariffs struck down by the Supreme Court. It expires approximately July 24, 2026.

What products overlap between Canada and Mexico exports to the US?

Both countries export Crude oil, Motor vehicles to the US. Canada has total bilateral trade of ~$783B while Mexico has ~$779B.