Canada announces retaliatory measures on U.S. steel, aluminum tariffs

Prime Minister Mark Carney said Thursday Canada will impose new tariffs on U.S. steel and aluminum imports in light of punishing U.S. tariffs.

He said the measures will protect the steel and aluminum industries with new counter-tariffs and protectionist policies.

The prime minister said Ottawa will introduce rules June 30, that will limit federal procurement rules to using steel and aluminum from Canada and “reliable trading partners.”

“In short, the government is responding to the impact of the unjust U.S. tariffs with multiple tools,” said Carney. “We will review our response as the negotiations progress.”

Carney said the government will also review its remission framework for automobiles to favour the use of Canadian steel and aluminum.

“Steel and aluminum workers are on the front lines of this trade crisis – these are the workers who will help us build one strong Canadian economy, the strongest economy in the G7,” he said.

Two new government stakeholder task forces are also in the works, designed to follow the trade and market trends of steel and for aluminum.

“Hamilton has long been the heart of Canada’s steel industry, and thousands of local workers and families depend on its continued strength and stability,” said Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath in a statement to CHCH News. “Any decision impacting steel and aluminum trade must protect Canadian jobs and ensure the long-term viability of this essential sector.”

“I welcome Prime Minister Carney’s attention to this critical file. I will be reviewing the details of the announcement closely and will continue to advocate for the interests of Hamilton’s workers, industries, and economy at every opportunity,” said Horwath.

U.S. President Donald Trump imposed a 25 per cent tariff on all steel and aluminum imports in March, and raised that rate to 50 per cent earlier this month.

Carney will be meeting with premiers Friday to discuss this response, and to better coordinate with the provinces and territories.

With files from The Canadian Press.

READ MORE: Trump, Carney aim to finalize Canada-U.S. trade deal by mid-July