Canadian manufacturers and union leaders are warning of job losses and sales disruptions after the U.S. raised tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum to 50%, prompting Ottawa to prepare retaliatory measures.
Canada’s steel and aluminum sectors are sounding the alarm after the United States doubled tariffs on the two key metals, sparking fears of layoffs, lost sales, and market shutdowns. The hike — from 25% to 50% — took effect early Wednesday and has already prompted backlash from Canadian manufacturers, unions, and government officials.
The U.S. move targets Canada, its largest supplier of steel and aluminum, which exports twice as much aluminum to the U.S. as the rest of the top 10 exporters combined.
Lana Payne, president of Unifor, Canada’s largest private sector union, warned of immediate consequences:
“This is going to have a very quick impact on the steel industry,” she said.
The Aluminium Association of Canada, whose members include Rio Tinto, warned that higher tariffs could drive producers to shift exports to Europe instead. Tim Houtsma, CEO of Madrid Industries in Nova Scotia, said the tariffs would effectively block Canadian mid-sized firms from selling into the U.S. market.
“We are going to tighten our belt... We’re going to be shut out of the U.S. market for some period of time,” he told Reuters.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney told Parliament that Ottawa is preparing retaliatory measures:
“We are in intensive negotiations with the Americans and, in parallel, preparing reprisals if those negotiations do not succeed,” he said.
Unifor is urging the government to retaliate immediately and consider halting exports of critical minerals to the U.S. The union also warned that the auto and aerospace sectors could face cascading layoffs if the trade conflict deepens.
Canada previously responded to U.S. tariffs in March by imposing 25% duties on C$29.8 billion ($21.79 billion) worth of American imports. While Carney has cautioned that there is a limit to tit-for-tat measures, pressure is mounting for a swift and robust response.
On the U.S. side, steel traders are also feeling the squeeze. Jeremy Flack, CEO of Flack Global Metals, said orders have slowed considerably since the initial tariff hikes earlier this year:
“We are not getting any orders. Volumes starting from February have begun to decline.”
As both sides dig in, trade experts warn that continued escalation could threaten broader sectors of the North American manufacturing economy.
California lawmakers have fast-tracked a redistricting plan giving Democrats a potential five-seat gain in Congress, with Governor Gavin Newsom signin...
The U.S. National Guard has been deployed across Washington, D.C. following President Trump’s declaration of a public safety emergency, as federal a...
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un praised troops who fought for Russia in Ukraine, calling them "heroic" during a ceremony honoring soldiers of the army...
The U.S. State Department confirmed that all 55 million visa holders are under continuous review, with potential revocations for security or legal vio...
Adidas executives personally visited a small Indigenous town in southern Mexico to apologize for a shoe design criticised as cultural appropriation, p...
California lawmakers have fast-tracked a redistricting plan giving Democrats a potential five-seat gain in Congress, with Governor Gavin Newsom signing the measure on Thursday to counter Republican efforts in Texas.
The U.S. National Guard has been deployed across Washington, D.C. following President Trump’s declaration of a public safety emergency, as federal authorities continue efforts to reduce crime and secure the capital.
Adidas executives personally visited a small Indigenous town in southern Mexico to apologize for a shoe design criticised as cultural appropriation, pledging future collaboration to respect local heritage.
A powerful eruption at Japan’s Shinmoedake volcano sent an ash plume more than 3,000 metres high on Sunday morning, prompting safety warnings from authorities.
According to the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ), a magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck the Oaxaca region of Mexico on Saturday.
The UK is gearing up for Exercise Pegasus 2025, its largest pandemic readiness test since COVID-19. Running from September to November, this full-scale simulation will challenge the country's response to a fast-moving respiratory outbreak.
Honduras has brought back mask mandates as COVID-19 cases and a new variant surge nationwide.
Kuwait says oil prices will likely stay below $72 per barrel as OPEC monitors global supply trends and U.S. policy signals. The remarks come during market uncertainty fueled by new U.S. tariffs on India and possible sanctions on Russia.
California lawmakers have fast-tracked a redistricting plan giving Democrats a potential five-seat gain in Congress, with Governor Gavin Newsom signing the measure on Thursday to counter Republican efforts in Texas.
The U.S. National Guard has been deployed across Washington, D.C. following President Trump’s declaration of a public safety emergency, as federal authorities continue efforts to reduce crime and secure the capital.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un praised troops who fought for Russia in Ukraine, calling them "heroic" during a ceremony honoring soldiers of the army's overseas operations.
The U.S. State Department confirmed that all 55 million visa holders are under continuous review, with potential revocations for security or legal violations.
Bangladesh and Pakistan have agreed to allow visa-free travel for holders of diplomatic and official passports, marking a major step in restoring relations after decades of restrictions.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment