US Bans $19.9bn Canadian Imports As Trade War Escalates

The United States has imposed fresh restrictions on selected Canadian imports as the trade dispute between the two countries continues to escalate.

The White House announced the measures early Tuesday, targeting a range of Canadian products, including alcoholic beverages, molasses, motorcycles and dairy byproducts.

The affected goods are estimated to be worth about $19.9 billion in Canadian imports, according to the American Action Forum.

The latest restrictions came as the two countries remain locked in a trade dispute that has already seen tariffs imposed on tens of billions of dollars’ worth of goods.

Speaking on Monday, US President Donald Trump expressed confidence that Canada would eventually yield to Washington’s demands, saying he expected the country to seek a new agreement within weeks.

“They take advantage of us. They feel entitled. There’s nothing they have that we need. I think what’s going to happen is over the next three to four weeks they’re going to come to us, and they’re going to say, ‘We’re going to get rid of all the tariffs.’ We’re going to win everything,” Mr Trump stated.

However, Canada’s Trade Minister, Dominic LeBlanc, criticised the US measures, accusing Washington of “imposing illegal and unjustified tariffs on sectors of their economy that were causing considerable hardship to businesses and workers across the country.”

LeBlanc said discussions were ongoing between the two countries on possible alternatives to the current trade measures.

He added that the Canadian government remained focused on shielding workers and businesses from “these unjustified actions”.

“Our core focus is on what we can control: building strength at home, diversifying our partnerships abroad, and building Canada strong for all Canadians,” he stated.

The trade tensions between the US and Canada have persisted since Mr Trump returned to office for a second term in early 2025.

Relations deteriorated further after talks on a new trade agreement broke down in August, triggering a fresh round of tariff measures by both countries.