Trump bans Canadian alcohol, dairy products and motorcycles from US after counter-tariffs

The United States will ban imports of most Canadian alcoholic beverages, some dairy products and motorcycles as the trade war between the two countries escalates.

The White House said Tuesday the restrictions will take effect on September 29, hours after Canada imposed retaliatory tariffs on about $20 billion worth of US imports.

The US ban covers various Canadian wines and spirits, some motorcycles and mopeds, dairy products including whey, and several types of molasses.

President Donald Trump also moved to exclude Canadian products from large, long-term US government contracts until Canada provides “full and fair reciprocity” for American goods.

Canada’s tariffs came in response to 50 percent US duties imposed on about five percent of Canadian imports in August after trade negotiations collapsed.

Prime Minister Mark Carney said Canada would continue reducing its economic dependence on the US.

“It’s about ensuring that no country can hold us hostage. And that we can live how we want to live,” Carney said, according to the Associated Press.

More than 70 percent of Canadian exports currently go to the US.

Carney said Canada was not seeking further escalation but argued retaliation was necessary to protect Canadian workers.

“That time is over,” he said of Canada’s heavy reliance on one economic partner.