Trump's tariffs target Canadian metals: Industry reacts
Canadian steel and aluminum are essential to key sectors of American industry, Minister of Industry François-Philippe Champagne emphasized on Sunday evening. His statement was in response to the announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding tariffs on steel and aluminum, which he plans to announce on Monday.
"Let's be clear: Canadian steel and aluminum support key sectors in the U.S., from defense 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 aluminum, alongside additional tariffs on goods from other countries. He also mentioned that in the coming days, he will raise tariffs on imported products to levels matching those imposed on American products. Furthermore, 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 starting on Monday. According to media reports, after a Sunday meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, journalists asked Trudeau 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 aluminum and steel industries, which the U.S. heavily depends on." "Quebec exports approximately 3.2 million short tons of aluminum 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 aluminum production, approximately 3.5 million short tons, is manufactured in the province of Quebec. Canada is the fourth-largest producer of aluminum in the world. According to CityNews, the U.S. produces about 770,000 short tons of aluminum, which is about five times less.
