U.S. bans certain Canadian imports, including dairy, alcohol and motorcycles

The United States has moved to block imports of a set of Canadian products — including dairy items, alcohol and motorcycles — as the trade dispute between the two countries intensifies.

President Donald Trump signed executive orders yesterday that prohibit those goods, citing what the orders describe as “continued discrimination against U.S. trade.” The measures cover motorcycles and mopeds, whey protein concentrates, and certain wines, beers, vodkas and distilled spirits.

Measures, timing and immediate reactions

The executive orders state that the listed Canadian products will no longer be permitted entry into the United States starting on September 29. The move follows Canadian retaliatory tariffs announced earlier the same day, and expands a tit-for-tat escalation that began after the U.S. imposed duties in August.

Canadian Minister of Trade Dominic LeBlanc said Ottawa is assessing the latest U.S. actions and framed his government’s response around protecting Canadian workers and businesses. He wrote on X: "As has been the case over the past 18 months, our first priority remains protecting and supporting Canadian workers, farmers, families and businesses from these unjustified actions." He added: "Our main focus is on what we can control: building strength at home, diversifying our partnerships abroad and building a strong Canada for all Canadians."

LeBlanc also said he had been in contact with U.S. Trade Representative Jameson Greer and warned that Ottawa stands ready to engage when Washington is prepared: "When the U.S. is ready to engage, our government will work in good faith and constructively toward more equal and mutually beneficial trade relations that fully respect Canadian sovereignty."

President Trump also announced that Canadian goods will be excluded from certain U.S. government procurement contracts. He wrote on his platform, Truth Social: "The Canadian government, including Canadian provinces, has barred American small businesses and companies from selling into their public procurement markets." He added: "From now on, there is no reciprocity — no access!" Trump said the procurement exclusion would remain in place "unless Canada restores full and fair reciprocity for American farmers and businesses."

The current escalation follows U.S. tariffs introduced in August of up to 50 percent on Canadian goods valued at about $20 billion, covering items such as hockey sticks, furniture, honey and wine. Ottawa responded with countermeasures, and the dispute has widened with the latest executive orders and procurement exclusions.

Photo: press material from the event