Donald Trump put a 25% tariff on Canadian steel and aluminum this morning
The federal government unveiled a strategy on Wednesday to impose tariffs on $29.8 billion worth of American products in retaliation against U.S. President Donald Trump, who earlier that day enacted severe tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum.
Courtesy CTV News
Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc, who serves as the government’s representative for Canada-U.S. relations, characterized Trump’s actions against Canadian industries as “unjustified and unjustifiable,” asserting that the government must respond as the U.S. introduces “disruption and disorder” into what has historically been one of the most successful trading partnerships globally. “We will not remain passive while our esteemed steel and aluminum sectors are unfairly targeted,” he stated.
LeBlanc indicated that the American goods subject to these tariffs include U.S.-manufactured steel and aluminum, computers, sports equipment, and specific cast iron products, among others. The tariffs on metals imposed by Trump, which took effect shortly after midnight, are distinct from the additional tariffs he applied to Canada last week—tariffs that were later partially retracted—aimed at pressuring Canada to enhance its border control regarding drugs and migrants.
In immediate response to the initial tariffs, Canada enacted tariffs on $30 billion worth of American goods, which remained in place even after Trump adjusted his tariff policies.
Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly remarked that Trump has asserted the necessity of these tariffs due to a supposed “national security threat” posed by Canadian steel and aluminum imports, a claim she deemed both unfounded and offensive. “The rationale for these tariffs changes daily. The only consistent element appears to be President Trump’s rhetoric about annexing our nation through economic pressure. We will not yield, nor will we succumb to this coercion,” she stated. “We must resist this absurdity.”
Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne noted that Trump’s tariffs are likely to increase the costs of nearly all products manufactured in the U.S., given the significant reliance on Canadian metals. For instance, the U.S. produces only 16 percent of its own aluminum needs.
Champagne said Trump’s relentless trade attacks likely aren’t going away anytime soon and Canada needs an attitude shift to become more independent and resilient.