\n<\/p>\n
But there is no mention of wildfires in the executive orders that Trump signed on Monday.<\/p>\n
Instead, the three proclamations list US trade irritants that were previously known to Canada related to cars, dairy and alcohol – signalling a breakdown of trade negotiations between the two countries.<\/p>\n
On cars, Trump is accusing Canada of charging a tax on US motor vehicles and parts that are not covered under USMCA.<\/p>\n
He argues it is “unreasonable” and that Canada has discriminated against the US by not charging other countries a similar tax.<\/p>\n
Automotive manufacturing in North America is highly integrated between Canada, the US and Mexico.<\/p>\n
But Trump’s Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has said in the past that he believes Canada should “come second” to the US. <\/p>\n
Trump has also named cars in the past as one issue where the two countries have competing interests.<\/p>\n
Dairy, meanwhile, has long been a problem for the US, specifically Canada’s supply management system, which sets limits on foreign imports. Those that exceed the limit are charged a tariff upwards of 300%.<\/p>\n
And lastly, the enduring boycott of US booze by most Canadian provinces has become a major sore point for the Americans since it was imposed last year. <\/p>\n
Canadian premiers have said repeatedly that the boycott will be lifted if the US removes its tariffs on key Canadian sectors, including metals and automobiles.<\/p>\n
Canadian trade negotiators have been working on trying to secure a deal that would at least reduce some of the current US tariffs. <\/p>\n
The BBC has contacted the White House and the Canadian government for comment. <\/p>\n
Earlier this year, the US chose not to renew the USMCA in its current form.<\/p>\n
Canada and Mexico sought a renewal of the trade agreement, but the US wants to make changes to the deal, which was negotiated during Trump’s first term in office.<\/p>\n
As it stands, the treaty will continue to govern North American trade over the next decade on a rolling basis, requiring annual reviews.<\/p>\n
In February, the US Supreme Court struck down sweeping international tariffs imposed by Trump through the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977.<\/p>\n
The justices ruled that the president had exceeded his authority when he announced the duties under a law reserved for national emergencies. <\/p>\n
The White House vowed at the time that it would invoke other mechanisms to impose import taxes. <\/p>\n
Monday’s duties were being introduced under Section 338 of the 1930 Tariff Act, which covers trade discrimination rather than national emergencies. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n