Trump Directs U.S. Procurement Agency to Remove Canadian-Origin Products From Award Schedules

U.S. President Donald Trump said he directed the General Services Administration to remove all Canadian-origin products from its award schedules after Canada’s retaliatory tariffs took effect. GSA describes these schedules as long-term, government-wide contracts with set prices for goods and services from specific suppliers, enabling federal agencies and eligible state and local governments to buy from pre-approved lists without a new procurement process. [1]

Trump said the schedules account for more than US$50 billion annually, but it was not immediately clear which products, suppliers or contracts would be affected or how the direction would be implemented. [1]

Canada’s new tariffs, ranging from 15% to 50% on dozens of U.S. products, respond to 50% U.S. duties imposed the previous month. Both countries are targeting C$27.8 billion worth of the other’s exports, after talks failed to resolve outstanding trade issues in August. [1]

Trump said Canada and its provinces had restricted U.S. companies’ access to government procurement markets. His comments appeared to refer to Canada’s Buy Canadian policy, enacted in September 2025 to prioritize Canadian suppliers and products in federal spending and require Canadian steel and softwood lumber in key defence and construction projects for domestic and foreign suppliers. Quebec has also said it will further prioritize local businesses in contracts and purchases. [1]

Canadian leaders broadly supported Ottawa’s tariff response while urging negotiations or cautioning against escalation. Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe said tariffs increase costs for businesses and consumers on both sides of the border, while Alberta Premier Danielle Smith called for stronger diplomatic engagement. [1]