Trump directs removal of Canadian goods from U.S. government procurement

U.S. President Donald Trump has signed a memorandum directing his administration to examine steps that could restrict the purchase of Canadian-origin goods and services for the operations of the U.S. federal government.

The memorandum assigns the Office of Management and Budget director and the U.S. Trade Representative to identify Canadian-origin goods and services covered by government procurement rules. They have also been directed to take legally available steps to remove or restrict those products from the federal procurement system.

The Trump administration has described the move as a response to what it says are Canadian “Buy Canadian” policies and restrictions affecting U.S. companies seeking to compete for government contracts at the federal and provincial levels.

The decision comes amid ongoing trade tensions between the two countries. The memorandum directs U.S. officials to assess Canada’s treatment of U.S.-origin goods and consider measures related to government procurement.

Trump has also warned the European Union against what he described as potentially hostile cooperation with Canada. He said the United States could impose substantial tariffs on European goods and potentially restrict trade in certain sectors if such cooperation is viewed as being directed against the U.S.