An article, titled Government Procurement in the U.S.-Canada Trade War: U.S. and Canadian Restrictions, published by Thomson Reuters, examines the role of government procurement in the ongoing U.S.-Canada trade war. When President Trump in mid-September directed federal officials to remove Canadian products from federal civil procurement, his directive garnered attention as the latest volley in the trade war. However, it was not the first injection of government procurement into the dispute. From the Trump Administration’s initial imposition of tariffs on Canadian goods in March 2025, several Canadian provinces retaliated with procurement bans on U.S. firms’ participation in their procurement. In addition, during that period, Canada adopted ‘Buy Canadian’ procurement policies as well as a reciprocity policy. 

The article begins with a brief outline of the ongoing U.S.-Canada trade war to provide a context for the procurement actions taken by the two neighbors. It then examines the president’s order and the Canadian procurement policies and actions that have drawn U.S. criticism and responses. It follows with an analysis of the president’s directive, including questions on its implementation. It concludes with a consideration of the potential for a negotiated resolution of the procurement issues raised by both sides. 

Jean Heilman Grier

October 21, 2026