Trump orders review of Canadian goods in U.S. government procurement

U.S. President Donald Trump has signed presidential ​memorandum directing his administration to review and potentially remove Canadian-origin goods from the U.S. federal civil procurement system.

The order accuses Canada of imposing unfair barriers on U.S. companies seeking access to Canadian government procurement, including preferences for Canadian products and content under its “Buy Canadian” policy.

It also claims Canadian provinces have restricted access for U.S. companies, while Canadian businesses continue to have preferential access to the U.S. government procurement system.

Under the order, the Office of Management and Budget and the U.S. Trade Representative are directed to identify Canadian products that could be removed or made unavailable for purchase where permitted by law. Officials will also identify domestic alternatives to Canadian goods.

The U.S. Trade Representative has been directed to continue monitoring Canada’s treatment of U.S. products in federal and provincial procurement markets and advise the president if further action may be warranted.