Paints & varnishes HS 3208.20

Paints & varnishes, based on acrylic or vinyl poly, dspr in a non-aqueous medium

15-25%
US tariff Section 232 metals(on the full value; under 15% metal by weight is exempt)
2025 exports C$106M
Beyond the US C$5.2M ▲1% vs 2024

Where else to sell

1. South Korea 0% Tariff free CKFTA

Canada already sells South Korea C$3.1M of paints & varnishes ▼6% vs 2024.

2. China

China imports ~C$380M of paints & varnishes a year (2023), 3.6 times Canada’s total exports of this product. Not among Canada’s top destinations in 2025.

3. Germany 0% Tariff free CETA

Germany imports ~C$318M 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 South Korea, China and Germany. Request "qualified contacts" (curated buyer and distributor lists).

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