U.S. Ban on Canadian Imports Takes Effect

The U.S. ban on selected Canadian imports took effect Sept. 29, covering alcoholic beverages, dairy products such as whey, and certain motorcycles and other vehicles. The affected trade is estimated at about $967 million, small compared with roughly $880 billion in annual bilateral trade, and existing 50% tariffs had already made many covered imports uneconomical; Canadian alcohol accounts for most of the ban’s value. The ban escalates a dispute over trade measures, with Washington accusing Canada of discriminating against U.S. producers and Ottawa imposing retaliatory tariffs; some Canadian provinces have also removed U.S. liquor from store shelves. President Donald Trump predicted Canada would seek to drop its tariffs within weeks, but there is little sign of progress toward a deal, raising uncertainty over the future of the US-Mexico-Canada trade pact. Ottawa condemned the restrictions and said protecting Canadian workers and businesses is its priority.