Trump bans some Canada goods, puts 50% tariffs on others

The US is banning dairy products, most alcoholic drinks and motorcycles from Canada, the White House said on Tuesday, as the trade war between the two neighbours and long-time allies escalates.

The ban will take effect in three weeks and comes after Canada imposed retaliatory tariffs on US$20 billion in US imports earlier on Tuesday.

A range of Canadian products from mattresses to motorboats and golf carts will be subject to a 50 per cent surcharge beginning September 15, a presidential executive order stated.

US President Donald Trump also moved Tuesday to shut Canadian products out of large, long-term US government contracts as Canada’s retaliatory tariffs took effect and Prime Minister Mark Carney vowed to speed efforts to reduce the country’s dependence on the US.

Trump directed the US General Services Administration to declare Canadian products ineligible for those contracts until Canada allows “full and fair reciprocity” for American products.

Carney said on Tuesday that Canada’s strategy was about becoming more independent. “It’s about ensuring that no country can hold us hostage. And that we can live how we want to live.”