Trump tariffs stir tensions over Canadian steel reliance
Canadian steel and aluminium are essential to key sectors of American industry, the Minister of Industry, François-Philippe Champagne, reminded us on Sunday evening. This statement was in response to the announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding tariffs on steel and aluminium, which he intends to announce on Monday.
"Let's be clear: Canadian steel and aluminium support key sectors in the U.S., from defence to shipbuilding and automotive industries. They enhance North America’s competitiveness and security. We will continue to defend Canada, our workers, and our industry," Champagne wrote on the platform X.
Trump and tariffs on Canadian steel: "Prefer it from China?"
Donald Trump announced that on Monday he will impose 25% tariffs on foreign steel and aluminium, as well as additional tariffs on goods from other countries. He also added that in the coming days, he will raise tariffs on imported products to levels matching those imposed on American products. What’s more, Trump once again expressed his desire to annex Canada as the 51st U.S. state.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is currently in Paris, where he will participate in a summit on artificial intelligence, which begins on Monday. According to media reports, after a Sunday meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, Trudeau was asked by journalists about the tariffs on Canadian steel announced by Trump, but he did not respond.
Meanwhile, Quebec Premier François Legault wrote on Sunday on the platform X that "the Trump administration threatens to attack the aluminium and steel industries, which the U.S. heavily depends on." "Quebec exports approximately 2.9 million metric tonnes of aluminium to the U.S., meeting 60% of their needs. Would they prefer to source from China?" Legault speculates.
According to PAP, about 90% of all Canadian aluminium production, roughly 3.2 million metric tonnes, is manufactured in the province of Quebec. Canada is the fourth-largest producer of aluminium in the world. According to television channel CityNews, the U.S. produces about 700,000 metric tonnes of aluminium, which is about five times less.
