WASHINGTON — The U.S.–Canada trade dispute has entered a new phase after President Donald Trump signed five executive orders banning imports of certain Canadian products, including alcoholic beverages, some dairy products and motorcycles.
The measures, scheduled to take effect later this month, follow Canada’s latest retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods. Ottawa introduced those duties in response to Washington’s earlier 50% tariffs on Canadian products.
Trump is also directing the U.S. federal procurement system to remove Canadian-origin products from certain government purchasing schedules, arguing that American companies have not received reciprocal access to Canadian government procurement markets. The exact scope and financial impact of that measure remain unclear.
Prime Minister Mark Carney defended Canada’s response, acknowledging that reducing Canada’s economic dependence on the United States will carry costs but arguing that accepting Washington’s demands would be worse.
The latest action represents a significant escalation in the trade war between two of the world’s most closely integrated economies, raising concerns about businesses, jobs, supply chains and consumer prices on both sides of the border.