U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer is defending a new round of measures against Canadian goods as the Canada-U.S. trade dispute moves into another phase.
The measures include changes to existing 50 per cent tariffs, targeted import bans and restrictions on Canadian-origin products in U.S. government procurement.
Some tariff changes took effect on September 15, while import bans covering selected Canadian alcoholic beverages, dairy products and motor vehicles are scheduled to begin at 12:01 a.m. Eastern time on September 29.
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What Jamieson Greer said about Canada
Greer said on September 8 that Canada had abandoned a near-final trade arrangement with Washington and chosen to continue retaliatory action against American exports.
He described the U.S. response as a consequence of what the Trump administration calls discriminatory treatment of American alcoholic beverages, dairy products and vehicles in Canada.
Canada disputes that characterization and has said its countermeasures are a response to new U.S. tariffs imposed on Canadian products.
The U.S. Trade Representative’s Office said the latest action was carried out under Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930, a provision that permits duties or import restrictions in response to what Washington determines is unequal treatment of U.S. commerce.
Which Canadian goods are affected
The measures focus on three broad sectors: alcoholic beverages, dairy and motor vehicles.
Under the September 8 proclamations, some Canadian products that had been subject to additional duties will instead face an import ban beginning September 29.
Goods imported before that date but not yet entered for consumption may remain subject to the existing 50 per cent duty, according to the presidential proclamations.
- Selected Canadian alcoholic beverages will be excluded from entry into the United States.
- Selected Canadian dairy products will face similar restrictions.
- Some Canadian motor vehicles and related products will be moved from tariff treatment to import restrictions.
- Other products will be added to or removed from the scope of the existing Section 338 tariffs.
The White House has said the changes include the removal of some products, such as rock salt and cement, while adding other goods, including all-terrain vehicles and additional dairy products.
Government procurement restrictions add another layer
The dispute is no longer limited to customs duties.
A September 16 presidential memorandum directed the U.S. government to restore what the administration calls reciprocity in government procurement and to identify Canadian-origin goods for removal from federal civil procurement channels.
The memorandum also directed the United States Trade Representative to continue monitoring Canadian treatment of U.S.-origin goods in federal and provincial procurement markets.
Separately, the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office said the administration and the General Services Administration were directed to remove about US$50 billion worth of Canadian-origin products from Multiple Award Schedules.
That step could affect Canadian companies that rely on federal purchasing contracts, although the practical impact will depend on which products and suppliers are ultimately removed.
Canada’s counter-tariffs remain in force
Canada began applying additional counter-tariffs on September 8 after the United States imposed new duties on about $27.6 billion worth of Canadian goods.
Canada’s measures match the applicable U.S. tariff rates in several targeted sectors, with rates of 15, 25 and 50 per cent applying to specified American products.
The Canadian list includes goods linked to steel and aluminum, dairy, appliances, agricultural equipment, pulp and paper, plastics and electronics.
Ottawa has said the countermeasures are intended to defend Canadian workers and businesses while encouraging the United States to remove its tariffs.
The federal government has also maintained a remission process for companies seeking exceptional relief where affected inputs cannot reasonably be sourced domestically or from non-U.S. suppliers.
What happens next for Canada-U.S. trade
The September 29 import bans represent the next scheduled escalation in the dispute.
Canadian exporters will need to determine whether their products fall under the detailed tariff and import-restriction lists issued by the United States.
Businesses importing American goods into Canada will also need to review the Canadian counter-tariff schedules and any available remission options.
For consumers, the measures may increase costs or reduce the availability of some cross-border products, although the immediate effect will vary by product, supplier and inventory already in the distribution system.
The two governments have not announced a new comprehensive settlement.
Canada has said it remains open to negotiations that respect Canadian sovereignty and protect the interests of workers, farmers, businesses and families.
Washington, meanwhile, continues to frame the dispute around reciprocity and market access, leaving the September 29 measures as the clearest near-term test of whether the tariff confrontation will widen or return to negotiations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Jamieson Greer?
Jamieson Greer is the United States trade representative and a senior official responsible for implementing and negotiating U.S. trade policy.
When do the new Canadian import bans begin?
Import bans on selected Canadian alcoholic beverages, dairy products and motor vehicles are scheduled to begin at 12:01 a.m. Eastern time on September 29, 2026.
Are all Canadian products subject to a 50 per cent tariff?
No. The 50 per cent duties apply only to specified products and sectors identified in U.S. proclamations, while other goods may face different rates or no additional tariff.
What tariffs has Canada imposed on U.S. goods?
Canada began applying counter-tariffs of 15, 25 and 50 per cent on specified U.S. products effective September 8, 2026.
Can Canadian businesses request tariff relief?
Canada maintains a remission process for exceptional cases, including situations where affected inputs cannot reasonably be sourced domestically or from non-U.S. suppliers.
Fact-Checked: Key tariff dates, affected sectors, official statements and Canadian countermeasures were checked against U.S. and Canadian government information.
Disclaimer: Tariff schedules and import restrictions may change as Canada-U.S. negotiations and government directives continue.