Donald Trump throws hammer down on Canada with import bans in major blow to Mark Carney

Donald Trump has dramatically escalated his trade war with Canada by ordering sweeping import bans targeting dairy, alcohol and motorcycles. The new restrictions will take effect in three weeks, giving Ottawa a narrow window to strike a deal before the measures take effect. The White House also moved to punish Canadian goods in US government contracts until Canada provides “full and fair reciprocity.” The explosive moves came hours after Canada imposed retaliatory tariffs on roughly $US20 billion worth of American goods. The three-week countdown now sets the stage for a frantic scramble between Trump and Carney to prevent the trade war from spiralling even further.