The Aporia
The Aporia
On September 14, U.S. President Donald Trump signed a memorandum directing U.S. federal agencies to identify and remove Canadian products from government procurement, escalating the ongoing trade war between the U.S. and Canada. This move followed Trump's ban on importing certain Canadian goods into the U.S., including alcohol, motorcycles, cheeses, motorboats, ATVs, and furniture, and came a week after he imposed 50% tariffs on over 100 products in retaliation for Canadian retaliatory tariffs. The White House stated that Canada's barriers to American companies seeking access to its government market through a "Buy Canadian" policy were unreasonable and discriminatory. The memorandum also directs the U.S. Trade Representative to monitor how Canada treats U.S.-origin goods. Trump further criticized Canada, calling it a “terrible trade partner,” after signing the order and threatened more tariffs on European goods if Canada becomes an associate member of the European Union, which he described as potentially a "hostile act."
Trump directed agencies to remove Canadian goods from government contracts, executing an earlier threat as tensions between the two countries flare.
In a presidential memorandum, the White House criticised Canada for its barriers to US companies seeking access to the Canadian government market through a “Buy Canadian” policy.
Trump signalled he would cut Canadian goods from US government purchases in a social media post earlier in September, “unless Canada restores full and fair reciprocity for American Farmers and Companies”.
