Paints & varnishes HS 3209.90

Paints & varnishes, based on polymers, dispersed in an aqueous medium, not elsewhere specified

15-25%
US tariff Section 232 metals(on the full value; under 15% metal by weight is exempt)
2025 exports C$136M
Beyond the US C$5.6M ▼32% vs 2024

Where else to sell

1. Germany 0% Tariff free CETA

Canada already sells Germany C$2.4M of paints & varnishes ▼50% vs 2024. Room to grow: that is under 1% of their ~C$311M import market (2023).

2. Mexico 0% Tariff free CUSMA and CPTPP

Mexico imports ~C$229M of paints & varnishes a year (2023). Not among Canada’s top destinations in 2025.

3. China

China imports ~C$209M of paints & varnishes a year (2023). In a different region from the markets above.

The steps

  1. 1

    Check you qualify for CanExport SMEs: incorporated with a CRA number, 3 to 500 staff, $300k to $100M revenue, under $100k of your sales in the target market last year.

  2. 2

    Scope a $20k to $100k entry project (trade events, marketing adaptation, buyer identification consultants). The program pays half, up to $50k. Apply at the CanExport portal. The 2026-27 intake closes August 31, 2026 at noon ET. The US-market envelope is already fully allocated; non-US applications remain open.

  3. 3

    Free help: Trade Commissioner Service desks for Germany, Mexico and China. Request "qualified contacts" (curated buyer and distributor lists).

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