Trump bans imports of Canadian dairy products, alcohol, and motorcycles... Retaliatory measures based on Article 338 of the Customs Act

On the 8th (local time), U.S. President Donald Trump signed a proclamation banning the import of Canadian dairy products, alcohol, and motorcycles from 01:01 Eastern time on the 29th.

On this day, the White House released three proclamations signed by President Trump regarding these measures on its website.

This was the day that Canada began imposing tariffs of up to 50% on imports from the United States worth 27.6 billion Canadian dollars (about 20 billion U.S. dollars, about 26.8 trillion won) as of midnight.

When the United States previously imposed tariffs of up to 50% on Canadian products worth about $20 billion (about 26.8 trillion won) starting on the 22nd, counter tariffs were placed.

President Trump's proclamation ordering a ban on imports of certain Canadian products is another retaliatory measure.

The trade war between the two countries, which were close neighbors on the North American border, appears to be intensifying further.

According to President Trump's proclamation and its annex on this day, 14 dairy products, including whey protein concentrate, processed whey, molasses, and non-alcoholic beer, were designated as targets for import ban.

The alcoholic beverages banned from import include 14 items, including beer made from malt, sparkling wine, and wine.

In addition, motorcycles and bicycles equipped with reciprocating internal combustion piston engines with a cylinder capacity exceeding 800 cc were placed on the import ban list.

President Trump cited Article 338 of the Tariff Act as the basis for this import ban order. This provision of the law gives the president the power to impose tariffs of up to 50% or ban imports of products from countries that discriminate in commerce with the United States.

In addition to the three import ban proclamations on this day, President Trump also announced amendments to exclude salt, cement, toilet paper, bed sheets, fishing rods, whiskey and distilled spirits from the existing tariffs from the 15th through two proclamations.

Previously, President Trump announced through the social media platform Truth Social that he had instructed the General Services Administration (GSA) to exclude Canadian products entering the U.S. procurement market through the Multiple Award Schedule (MAS).

A senior U.S. official explained in a telephone briefing held by the White House that day, "The main measures taken today are the announcement of an import ban, modification of existing tariffs, and restrictions on Canadian companies' participation in U.S. intelligence procurement."

“These are the actions we are taking to rebuild a level playing field, protect American production, and respond to one of the few countries on Earth that has retaliated against the United States while advancing reindustrialization and trade policy changes consistent with the President’s pledge.”

This official also said that President Trump's announcement on the 24th of last month that he would increase tariffs on Canadian automobiles, parts, and steel to 50% starting January 1 of next year is "still effective."

When asked whether the trade war could be resolved through dialogue and negotiations with Canada, he replied, "I have been talking with my counterpart, Dominic LeBlanc, Canada's Minister of Trade with the United States, over the past few days. I think Canada is also interested in seeking alternative solutions, and as always, we are open."

Regarding President Trump's threat the previous day through TruthSocial to ban Canadian corporate and private jet manufacturer Bombardier from selling in the U.S., a high-ranking official said, "It is not included in today's proclamation," and added, "The president is reviewing options for this."