US Trade War Escalates: $1 Billion in Canadian Imports Banned

A trade war between Canada and the United States has escalated further as the US ban on nearly $1 billion worth of Canadian liquor, dairy products goes into effect. This move is part of President Donald Trump's agenda to keep multiple Canadian products from being imported into the United States.

The ban targets whey products used in protein powder, motorcycles and mopeds with petrol engines larger than 800cc, molasses, and alcoholic beverages such as beer, wine, whiskey, and vodka. The economic effect of this ban is likely to be minimal, as it affects only a fraction of the $880 billion in two-way annual trade between the two countries.

Canadian Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc decried the US's 'illegal and unjustified tariffs' during a press conference on Friday. He noted that Canada will not retaliate further, saying 'We have said we will sign an agreement when we think there is one that is in the interests of Canada's sovereignty and Canada's economy … but we're not waiting by the phone.'