Washington: A fresh set of US import bans on Canadian products, including alcohol, dairy-related goods and motorcycles, has taken effect as trade tensions between the two neighbouring countries continue.
The measures introduced by the administration of US President Donald Trump follow Canada’s implementation of retaliatory tariffs on a range of American products earlier this month after trade negotiations between the two sides stalled.
The latest US restrictions cover nearly C$1 billion ($710 million) worth of Canadian liquor exports to the US, along with whey products commonly used in protein powders. Canadian motorcycle exports will also be affected, although the impact is expected to be more limited. Statistics Canada data shows that around 5,000 motorcycles worth about C$120 million ($84.5 million) were exported to the US in 2025.
The import restrictions were initially announced by Trump through a series of executive orders signed on September 8. The administration stated that the measures were linked to what it described as continued discrimination by Canada against US dairy, automotive and alcohol products.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has remarked that the latest measures are relatively modest compared with other US trade actions against Canada and that the overall economic impact is expected to be limited. He has nevertheless acknowledged that businesses and sectors directly targeted by the restrictions will face difficulties.
The Canadian alcohol industry could be among the sectors most exposed to the measures. Around 93 percent of Canada’s liquor exports in 2025 were destined for the US, according to data cited in the report. Spirits Canada has warned that the restrictions could have significant consequences for producers.
Scotiabank economist Derek Holt described the latest US measures as largely symbolic rather than substantive, while noting that their limited scale could be viewed positively from an economic perspective. Trade negotiations between Washington and Ottawa remain stalled.
The latest restrictions add to existing US tariffs of up to 50 percent on several Canadian goods, including dairy, alcohol, steel and aluminium, as well as a 25 percent tariff on Canadian-built vehicles.
Canada has responded with tariffs ranging from 15 percent to 50 percent on more than 700 US products, alongside a 25 percent levy on certain steel and aluminium imports. Most Canadian provinces have also halted sales of US liquor.
The continuing measures have increased uncertainty for businesses on both sides of the border, with Canada’s relationship with the US remaining particularly important as the US is its largest trading partner.
Trump’s administration argues that tariffs generate government revenue and encourage consumers to purchase domestically produced goods, while economists have warned that higher import costs can raise consumer prices and disrupt international trade.
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