Canadian steel and aluminium: Trump's tariffs spark tension
The Canadian Minister of Industry, François-Philippe Champagne, highlighted the importance of Canadian steel and aluminium for key sectors of American industry. His statement was a response to U.S. President Donald Trump's announcements regarding the imposition of tariffs on these raw materials.
"Let's be clear: Canadian steel and aluminium support key sectors in the U.S., from defence to shipbuilding and automotive production. They enhance North American competitiveness and security. We will continue to defend Canada, our workers, and our industry," Champagne wrote on platform X.
Reactions to tariff announcements
Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff on foreign steel and aluminium, as well as additional tariffs on other goods. The U.S. President also expressed a desire to incorporate Canada as the 51st state of America.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who is in Paris for a summit on artificial intelligence, has not yet commented on these announcements. Meanwhile, Quebec Premier François Legault emphasised the importance of aluminium exports to the U.S., which fulfil 60% of their needs. "Quebec exports around 2.9 million metric tonnes of aluminium to the USA, meeting 60% of their needs. Would they prefer to source it from China?" Legault remarked.
Concerns of Canadian producers
The Chairwoman of the Canadian Steel Producers Association, Catherine Cobden, expressed concern over the plans to implement tariffs. "This will be a challenge for both Canada and the USA," she said in an interview with CBC. Cobden hopes that Canada will be able to negotiate an exemption for its products from the new tariffs; however, if that fails, the country will have to respond with "retaliatory tariffs."
Ontario Premier Doug Ford also commented on the situation, writing on platform X about "constant chaos" and risks to the economy. However, the media recalls his earlier support for Trump after the American elections.
Canada is the fourth largest producer of aluminium in the world, with about 90% of the nation's production occurring in Quebec. The USA produces only about 700,000 metric tonnes of aluminium annually.
