The trade dispute between the United States and Canada has taken a fresh turn after President Donald Trump announced restrictions on a range of Canadian products, including alcoholic beverages, dairy goods and motorbikes.
The new measures were contained in a series of executive orders signed by Trump on Tuesday, with the import restrictions scheduled to take effect on September 29.
The White House accused Canada of discriminating against American businesses by imposing restrictions on US products while allowing similar goods from other countries to enter its market.
Some Canadian products, including whey and non-alcoholic beer, will reportedly be blocked entirely from entering the US market. Other products, such as cheese and motorboats, will face higher tariffs.
The announcement came as Canada’s retaliatory tariffs on American goods also took effect.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said in a video address that Canada’s effort to reduce its dependence on the United States as its biggest trading partner would have economic consequences.
Carney said the shift away from the US would come at a cost, although Canadian officials have continued to express interest in reaching a new trade agreement with Washington.
The two countries have yet to resume formal negotiations after discussions broke down in late August.
The latest confrontation follows a series of tariff measures introduced by both governments over the past several months.
Last month, the Trump administration imposed tariffs of up to 50% on about $20 billion worth of Canadian products. The measures affected industries including furniture, wine, sporting equipment and fishing-related businesses.
Canada subsequently announced matching tariffs on a range of American products, including steel, clothing and furniture.
The escalating dispute has generated concern among businesses on both sides of the border, with companies warning that prolonged trade restrictions could increase prices, reduce demand and disrupt established supply chains.
Canada remains heavily dependent on the US market, with more than two-thirds of its exports typically going to its southern neighbour. The US, meanwhile, regards Canada as one of its most important trading partners.
The latest restrictions also come after Trump warned Canadian aircraft manufacturer Bombardier that it could face further consequences in the US market if it does not move manufacturing operations south of the border.
With no fresh negotiations currently scheduled, uncertainty remains over how far the trade confrontation between the two traditionally close allies will go.
