Tariff dispute: US announces import ban on some Canadian goods

The United States is escalating its tariff dispute with Canada by banning imports of selected goods from its northern neighbor. From Sept. 29, some Canadian dairy products, alcoholic drinks, motorcycles and mopeds will no longer be allowed into the United States, according to decrees signed by President Donald Trump.

A senior U.S. government official said the measures involve goods worth several billion dollars. White House documents identify products including motorcycles and mopeds, selected dairy goods, and certain wines, beers, vodka and spirits.

Washington announced the bans only hours after Trump ordered U.S. government agencies to stop purchasing Canadian products. The move adds pressure on Ottawa in a dispute that intensified after trade talks between the two countries failed.

Canada’s counter-tariffs on U.S. imports took effect overnight Tuesday. They cover steel and aluminum, household appliances, agricultural equipment, pulp and paper, and electronics, with rates reaching 50%. Canadian figures put the value of the affected goods at $27.6 billion.

The United States had imposed tariffs of up to 50% in August on Canadian goods worth about $20 billion. The earlier measures covered products such as hockey sticks, furniture, honey and wine.