Trump's Trade War Escalates with New Import Restrictions on Canada

The Trump administration has imposed restrictions on imports from Canada, banning certain vehicles, dairy and alcohol products in an escalating trade dispute.

The ban affects motorcycles and mopeds with petrol engines larger than 800cc, whey products, molasses, and various alcoholic beverages such as beer, cider, wine, whiskey, and vodka, totaling around $19.9 billion of Canadian imports annually.

Canadian Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc criticized the move, stating that the U.S. is imposing 'illegal and unjustified tariffs' on sectors of Canada's economy, causing hardship to businesses and workers.

Ottawa has stopped short of unveiling fresh retaliation since the Sept. 9 announcement of a dairy and alcohol import ban, but Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has suggested courting closer ties with the European Union as relations with the U.S. fray.