The federal government has announced a 50% tariff on many Canadian imports, scheduled to take effect August 19, 2026, unless modified before that date.
While the complete list of affected products is still being finalized, the announcement has raised concerns throughout the printing and packaging industries because Canada is a major supplier of paper and related products used by U.S. printers.
PGCA is monitoring developments closely. At this stage, here is what we know and what members should consider.
Potential Impact on Printing Papers
The greatest concern is the possible impact on printing papers imported from Canada.
Canadian mills produce a wide variety of grades commonly used by commercial printers, including:
- Coated papers
- Uncoated freesheet
- Book papers
- Groundwood papers
- Directory papers
- Specialty printing papers
- Certain paperboard products
Even if your company purchases paper from a U.S. merchant rather than directly from a Canadian mill, increased import costs could be reflected in future distributor pricing.
Packaging and Paperboard
Packaging converters may also experience increased costs if Canadian paperboard grades become subject to the tariff. Depending on product availability, this could affect certain folding carton, label, and specialty packaging applications.
Other Products That Could Be Affected
Additional products that may experience price increases include:
- Wood pallets and shipping materials
- Certain paper coatings and chemical additives
- Selected warehouse and packaging materials sourced from Canada
Supply chain disruptions could also result in longer lead times and increased transportation costs.
What Is Less Likely to Be Affected
Based on current information, the tariff is not expected to have a significant direct impact on most printing equipment, including:
- Offset presses
- Digital presses
- Workflow software
- Most prepress equipment
Much of this equipment is manufactured outside Canada and therefore would not fall under this particular tariff action.
What Should Printers Do?
PGCA recommends members take the following steps over the next several weeks:
- Contact Your Paper Supplier
- Determine whether the grades you regularly purchase originate from Canadian mills.
- Ask whether tariff-related price adjustments are anticipated.
- Review Existing Quotes and Contracts
- Evaluate projects with extended delivery schedules.
- Consider whether fixed-price quotations adequately address potential material cost increases.
- Discuss Inventory Plans
- Talk with suppliers about availability and lead times.
- Avoid unnecessary stockpiling unless supply concerns justify additional inventory.
- Review Estimating Procedures
- Monitor paper pricing closely.
- Consider shortening quotation validity periods where appropriate.
- Evaluate the use of material price adjustment language for longer-term projects.
- Stay Informed The administration may issue additional guidance before the tariff takes effect. Final implementation details, including product classifications and possible exemptions, could affect the actual impact on individual companies.
PGCA Will Continue Monitoring the Situation
PGCA is reviewing the final tariff schedules and evaluating their specific impact on the printing, packaging, mailing, and graphic communications industries.
As additional information becomes available—including clarification of affected paper grades and any exemptions—we will provide members with timely updates.
If your company anticipates significant business impacts from these tariffs, we encourage you to contact PGCA. Member feedback helps us better understand industry concerns and strengthens our advocacy efforts with policymakers.
Questions?
Please contact the PGCA office if you have questions or would like to share how these tariff changes may affect your business. We will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as new information becomes available.
Tim Freeman, Co-President
Print & Graphic Communications Association
tim@printcommunications.org
(716) 691-3211
