President Trump said Canada wants a trade deal despite unfair treatment of U.S. farmers. A new import ban begins Tuesday.
President Donald Trump said Monday that Canada wants a trade agreement with the United States despite what he described as years of unfair treatment of American farmers, as a ban on some Canadian imports was set to take effect Tuesday. Speaking to reporters, Trump said Canadian officials frequently seek a deal but have imposed steep tariffs on U.S. agricultural products, including dairy, and said Canada relies on the U.S. for the vast majority of its trade while offering little in return.
The ban, covering certain Canadian alcohol, dairy products and motorcycles, is due to begin at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday under Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930, according to the Associated Press. The measure follows the collapse of trade talks between the two countries in late August and a series of retaliatory tariffs imposed by both governments in the weeks since. Canada’s trade minister’s office said Monday it had taken note of the measures coming into force, while a spokesperson said the government’s priority remains protecting Canadian workers, farmers and businesses.
Trump also cited U.S. military and logistical support for Canada, including icebreaker vessels, saying the U.S. currently has 11 under construction and that Canada has sought access to them. He said the U.S. holds greater energy and lumber resources than Canada and argued that Canada should treat the U.S. with more respect given the trade relationship. Analysts have said Trump’s frequently cited figure of roughly 400% on Canadian dairy tariffs refers to over-quota rates that outside estimates place closer to 241% to 298%, depending on the product, and that Canada’s retaliatory tariffs imposed this month do not exceed 50%.
The exchange took place amid ongoing tension between the two countries after negotiations broke down last month, with each side accusing the other of introducing last-minute demands. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has said U.S. negotiators sought to restrict Canada’s ability to pursue other trade deals and to limit protections for Canadian language and culture. The dispute has centered heavily on the auto, steel, aluminum and dairy sectors, which account for billions of dollars in annual cross-border trade.
Sources: This report is based on information from the Associated Press (via BNN Bloomberg), Newsweek and Ag Bull Trading, citing White House proclamations and UW-Madison Extension data.