US slaps import ban on Canadian alcohol, motorbikes and other goods
The US is banning a slew of Canadian products, including alcoholic spirits, dairy goods and motorbikes, as its neighbour's retaliatory tariffs on American goods take effect.
The United States has imposed an import ban on various Canadian products, including alcoholic spirits, dairy goods, and motorbikes, as retaliation for Canada's retaliatory tariffs on American goods. US President Donald Trump announced the ban in a series of executive orders on Tuesday, stating that Canada is "discriminating" against the US.
The ban will take effect on September 29. Canada's Prime Minister, Mark Carney, criticized the move in a video address, stating that Canada's shift away from the US as its largest trading partner "will come at a cost." Both countries have expressed a desire to negotiate a trade deal, but no new talks have been scheduled since negotiations broke down in late August.
Canada exports more than two-thirds of its total exports to the US, while the US is Canada's second-largest trading partner after Mexico. The trade war between the US and Canada has strained their historically close relationship, with many business owners on both sides fearing the impact on their products and sales. Last month, the US imposed 50% tariffs on around $20 billion worth of Canadian goods, affecting sectors such as furniture, wine, and sporting equipment.
Canada responded with dollar-for-dollar tariffs on US goods like steel, clothing, and furniture. The new tariffs cover a wide range of products, including whey, non-alcoholic beer, cheese, motorbikes, and various types of cheese, among others. Some products are entirely banned from import, while others face increased tariffs. Trade experts suggest that the ban could have a significant impact on Canadian businesses with US customers, although the early estimates show only a modest effect on $1 billion worth of goods.
To address these issues, Canada will likely adjust its business support measures. The White House emphasizes that there is always a cost to action, but it does not compare to the cost of inaction. Beyond tariffs, the tension between the US and Canada has extended to renaming Lake Ontario as Lake America, causing uproar from Canadians and some in the US.
Written by urgent.news from MyJoyOnline Ghana's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
