Trump's ban on Canadian alcohol and dairy worth nearly $1 billion takes effect as trade war escalates

From the Newshound archive · first published 29 September 2026.

Donald Trump and Mark Carney. Canada is pushing toward EU associate membership even as Trump insists Ottawa "calls us all the time" desperate for a trade deal.

Trump's ban on Canadian whisky, other alcohol, dairy products and motorcycles kicked in at 12:01am Eastern time on Tuesday, cutting off roughly $1 billion worth of imports from America's northern neighbour. The move is retaliation for Canada's own counter-tariffs, imposed after Trump slapped 50% duties on $20 billion of Canadian goods under a Great Depression-era statute. Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney has not relented, calling the bans "relatively modest measures" against the broader US trade assault.

With just hours to go before the ban came into force, Trump insisted that Canada "call us all the time" and would abandon all their tariffs within weeks.

The average American drinker is not expected to feel the impact straight away, because distributors reportedly stockpiled Canadian liquor before the deadline and bulk shipments are exempt.

'We like to compete by sip and taste, not tariffs,' said Chris Swonger, president of the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States.

Yahoo News UKUS Ban On Canadian Alcohol And Dairy Takes Effect The IndependentUS bans $1 billion of Canadian imports. Here’s what you won’t see on shelves anymore APFrom motorcycles to booze, US ban on $1 billion worth of Canadian imports goes into effect

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