President Donald Trump has announced changes to the 50% tariffs on certain Canadian imports under Section 338, effective October 30, 2026. The Presidential Proclamation modifies the list of products subject to the tariffs, providing relief for certain packaging materials and equipment while imposing new duties on other products used by the printing and packaging industries. Additional details are available in the White House fact sheet.
The changes come amid concerns about rising costs for U.S. businesses that depend on Canadian imports. Rather than lowering the 50% tariff rate, the Administration has adjusted which products are covered, offering targeted relief while expanding tariffs to additional categories.
Products Removed from Tariff Coverage
The revised measures remove several packaging products and types of equipment from the 50% tariff, including corrugated cartons and boxes, certain paper sacks and bags, molded pulp products, plastic packaging materials, and machinery used for filling, sealing, labeling, and wrapping containers.
For printers, converters, and packaging manufacturers that rely on Canadian suppliers, these exclusions may help reduce costs, maintain established supply chains, and support future equipment investments.
Additional Products Subject to Tariffs
At the same time, the Administration has expanded the 50% tariff to include certain printing and packaging inputs, such as kraft paper, composite paper and paperboard, self-adhesive paper and label stock, plastic-coated printing papers, and large industrial paper sacks and bags.
These additional duties could increase costs for businesses that depend on these materials, particularly when domestic alternatives are limited or more expensive.
A complete list of affected products is available in Annex I, with Part A identifying products removed from tariff coverage and Part B identifying newly covered products. Annex II provides the corresponding Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes.
Implications for the Printing Industry
The changes underscore the complexity of the highly integrated U.S. and Canadian printing and packaging supply chains. Many U.S. manufacturers depend on Canadian-sourced materials and equipment that may be difficult or costly to replace. While removing tariffs on certain packaging products and machinery provides welcome relief, expanding duties on other essential inputs could create additional cost pressures and sourcing challenges.
Print service providers and packaging manufacturers should review the revised product lists to determine how the changes may affect their purchasing decisions, supplier relationships, and operating costs.
PRINTING United Alliance will continue to monitor tariff and trade policy developments and advocate for policies that promote stable supply chains, strengthen U.S. manufacturing competitiveness, and ensure access to the materials and equipment essential to the printing industry.
In this article, Stephanie Buka, Government Affairs Manager, PRINTING United Alliance, reports on the Administration’s revision of tariffs imposed under Section 338. More information can be found at Business Excellence-Legislation or reach out to Steph should you have additional questions specific to how these issues may affect your business: sbuka@printing.org.
To become a member of the Alliance and learn more about how our subject matter experts can assist your company with services and resources such as those mentioned in this article, please contact the Alliance membership team: 888-385-3588 / membership@printing.org.