world

U.S. bans on Canadian liquor, dairy byproducts, and motorcycles take effect

The measures cover close to C$1 billion in exports, with Ottawa signalling it will not retaliate further.

The Canadian

World

September 29, 2026

5 min read

Freight crates and barrels on an empty port dock at dusk

American bans on several Canadian imports came into force at 12:01 a.m. ET on Tuesday, covering alcoholic drinks, whey products used in protein powders, and motorcycles. The measures follow Canada's tariffs on a range of U.S. goods earlier this month after trade talks broke down.

The restrictions apply to close to C$1 billion in annual exports. Alcohol accounts for the overwhelming share, and roughly 90 per cent of Canadian alcohol exports were bound for the United States last year, most of it from Ontario.

Ottawa is not expected to respond with further countermeasures. The government has described the overall economic impact as modest, while acknowledging that individual industries face severe disruption in the near term.

Talks remain frozen. The U.S. trade representative has said there is no urgency on the American side, leaving affected producers to plan around a restriction with no stated end date.

Related coverage