US announces import ban on Canadian alcohol and other goods

The administration of US President Donald Trump signed a series of executive orders on Tuesday introducing an import ban on several groups of Canadian goods – alcohol, dairy products and motor vehicles. The orders say Canada is in effect discriminating against US commerce. The measure is set to take effect on 29 September.

The decision comes on the day Canada’s retaliatory tariffs on American goods came into force. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, speaking in a video address, said the country’s shift away from the US as its largest trading partner will come at a cost. Both Washington and Ottawa have said they would like to reach a deal, but no new rounds of talks have been scheduled since negotiations fell apart in late August.

This is the latest twist in the trade conflict between the neighbours. Previously, the US had imposed a 50% tariff on roughly $20bn of Canadian goods after several rounds of talks failed. Canada struck back with matching duties on US goods, including steel, clothing and furniture. Those counter-duties took effect just after midnight on Tuesday.

Moreover, tensions are not limited to trade. In August, Trump ordered that Lake Ontario be renamed Lake America, prompting outrage among Canadians and some Americans.