The United States is set to ban imports of a range of Canadian products, including some alcoholic drinks, dairy goods and motorbikes, as tensions between the two countries deepen in an ongoing trade war.
Geographic Reference
US President Donald Trump announced the new restrictions in a series of executive orders on Tuesday, accusing Canada of discriminating against US businesses.
The bans, due to begin on 29 September, come after Canada’s retaliatory tariffs on American goods came into effect. Canadian Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc described the new US measures as “unjustified” and said he would work to protect Canadian workers, families and businesses.
LeBlanc said he had contacted his US counterpart and remained committed to resolving the trade dispute “in good faith”.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney also warned that reducing Canada’s dependence on the US as its biggest trading partner would come at a cost.
The latest restrictions are part of a months-long trade dispute between the two neighbouring countries, which have traditionally been close economic and political allies.
More than two-thirds of Canada’s total exports normally go to the US.
Politics (Right)
In 2025, Canadian exports of alcoholic spirits to the US were worth about $687million, while dairy products were worth $269million and motorbikes were worth $90m, according to UN data compiled by Trading Economics.
Products facing an outright US ban include some dairy products such as whey, cane molasses, non-alcoholic beer, various wine, rum and vodka products, malt beer and motorbikes, including mopeds.
Other Canadian products will face higher import taxes, including different types of cheese, paper, some furniture and mattresses, metals such as aluminium and iron, motorboats, golf carts and fishing equipment.
The White House said Canada was unfairly restricting American products while allowing similar goods from other countries to enter its market.
Trump has previously criticised Canada’s system of production quotas, pricing rules and import limits for dairy, eggs and poultry, arguing that it disadvantages US farmers.
The trade dispute has raised concerns among businesses and consumers in both countries. Business owners have warned that higher tariffs could increase prices and reduce the number of customers.
Last month, the White House imposed 50% tariffs on about $20billion worth of Canadian goods after trade negotiations broke down.
Canada responded with what Carney called “dollar-for-dollar” tariffs on American products, including steel, clothing and furniture.
Trade expert Deborah Elms said the latest import bans could have a strong impact on Canadian businesses that depend on US customers, although early estimates suggest the measures could affect about $1billion worth of goods.
She warned that the wider trade war would be costly for both countries because of how closely their economies are connected, with consumers likely to bear much of the impact.
No new trade talks have been scheduled since negotiations collapsed in late August, although officials on both sides have said they want to reach an agreement.