On September 8, 2026, President Donald Trump issued three proclamations imposing bans on the importation from Canada of certain goods and two other proclamations separately modifying Section 338 tariffs on other Canadian goods imported into the United States. The actions were taken on the same date that Canada implemented its retaliatory tariffs on certain U.S. goods. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer issued a statement indicating that the actions are “a natural consequence of Canada’s continued discriminatory treatment of crucial American exports, ranging from alcoholic beverages to dairy products to motor vehicles. President Trump will continue to leverage the tools at his disposal to defend the interests of American workers and exporters, and restore reciprocity in our bilateral trade relationships.”
The three proclamations banning the importation of certain Canadian products cover: (i) dairy products, molasses and non-alcoholic beer, (ii) alcoholic beverages (beer, cider, hard liquors and wines), and (iii) motorcycles. The proclamations claim that, despite the imposition of additional duties on Canadian products on July 20, 2026, pursuant to Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930, Canada has “maintained or increased the discriminations against the commerce of the United States described in Proclamation 11046.” Under each proclamation, effective at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time on September 29, 2026, Canadian goods covered by these proclamations are excluded from importation into the United States. Such goods that were imported, but not yet entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, prior to September 29, 2026, will remain subject to the 50 percent duty rate established by Proclamation 11046. The goods are listed in annexes to the proclamation and identified by their Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) subheadings.
In two other proclamations, President Trump further modified Section 338 tariffs previously imposed on Canadian goods. Under these proclamations, these tariffs will be effective at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time on September 15, 2026, Canadian goods covered by these proclamations are excluded from importation into the United States. In a proclamation addressing modifications to offset Canadian discrimination as to alcoholic beverages, Section 338 tariffs will be imposed on various cheeses; various hides, skins and leathers; and motorboats. In a proclamation addressing modifications to offset Canadian discrimination as to motor vehicles, Section 338 tariffs will be imposed on other cheeses; various paper products; certain iron or steel products; certain aluminum products; certain base metal products; certain motor vehicles; certain seats and other furniture; mattresses; and certain lamps. The goods are set forth in annexes to the proclamation and identified by their Harmonize Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) subheadings.
President Trump has also directed the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and the General Services Administration (GSA) to remove $50 billion dollars’ worth of Canadian-origin products from GSA’s Multiple Award Schedules.See SmarTrade posts of July 21, 2026 and August 25, 2026 for additional background