Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Tuesday highlighted the adverse effects of the U.S. steel and aluminum tariffs and warned of a strong response if required.
What Happened: Trudeau criticized the recent tariffs calling them "Unacceptable" and said "Canadians will stand up strongly and firmly if we need to," reported Reuters.
On Monday, U.S. President Donald Trump signed orders to increase tariffs on steel and aluminum imports to 25% without exceptions. This decision, effective Mar 4, intended to boost the struggling industry, could escalate into a wider trade conflict.
Why It Matters: This development comes amid escalating tensions between the two nations. Earlier this month, Trudeau expressed concerns over Trump's threat to annex Canada. He suggested that Trump's interest in making Canada the "51st state" was driven by a desire to access the country's critical minerals. According to the American Iron and Steel Institute, approximately 80% of U.S. primary aluminum imports were from Canada.
President of the Canadian Labour Congress, Bea Bruske, recalled Trump's previous steel and aluminum tariffs and stated that it had a "devastating impact" on the workers in the country.
"Thousands of workers faced layoffs and uncertainty, and the effects rippled across manufacturing, construction and supply chains," stated Bruske.
Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry of Canada, François-Philippe Champagne, called the U.S. tariffs 'totally unjustified' and stated, "We are consulting with our international partners as we examine the details. Our response will be clear and calibrated."
Trump's tariffs on steel and aluminum are set to ripple across key U.S. industries, driving up costs for manufacturers and consumers alike. The automotive sector, including Ford
