Trump bans Canadian goods from US government procurement

September 17, 2026 at 05:23 AM2 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

President Donald Trump directed federal agencies to remove Canadian goods from government contracts, executing an earlier threat amid escalating US-Canada trade tensions. The White House criticized Canada's 'Buy Canadian' policy as a barrier to US companies. The order follows Trump's criticism of a European Union proposal to make Canada an 'associate member,' which he called a potential 'hostile act.'

Key Facts

The White House issued a presidential memorandum directing agencies to remove Canadian goods from government contracts.
Trump said Canadian goods and services sold under the Multiple Award Schedule are worth more than $50 billion each year.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen offered to make Canada an 'associate member' of the EU on Wednesday.
Trump threatened 'very serious tariffs' or to stop trading with Europe if the EU's move is deemed a hostile act.

Procurement Order

President Donald Trump directed agencies to remove Canadian goods from government contracts through a presidential memorandum. The White House criticized Canada for its barriers to US companies seeking access to the Canadian government market through a 'Buy Canadian' policy. Trump had signaled the move in a social media post earlier this month, demanding 'full and fair reciprocity for American Farmers and Companies.' A senior administration official clarified that while the White House calculates the US procurement market at more than $50 billion annually, Canadian companies do not always account for all of it.

EU-Canada Associate Membership

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen offered to make Canada the bloc's first 'associate member' during a speech on Wednesday. Trump called the proposal potentially a 'hostile act' and threatened more tariffs on European goods or to 'stop trading with Europe on many things.' Speaking at a campaign event in North Carolina, Trump said Canada has been a 'terrible trade partner' and described the EU offer as 'laughable.' Trump stated that if the EU's intentions are good, the move is acceptable, but 'if the intentions are bad, we will put very high tariffs.'