
CTV National News: How Trump is justifying a tariff on imported copper
Donald Trump says a 50 per cent tariff on imported copper will come into effect as of Aug. 1, citing national security concerns. Mike Le Couteur has more.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


National Post
31 minutes ago
- National Post
Market to Grow by 5.4% Annually to Reach $832.2 Million in 2025 - Size & Forecast by Value and Volume Across 80+ Market Segments 2020-2029
Article content Article content DUBLIN — The 'Canada Cement Industry Market Size & Forecast by Value and Volume Across 80+ Market Segments by Cement Products, Distribution Channel, Market Share, Import – Export, End Markets – Databook Q2 2025 Update' report has been added to offering. Article content The cement market in Canada is expected to grow by 5.4% annually to reach US$832.2 million in 2025. The cement market in the country recorded strong growth during 2020-2024, achieving a CAGR of 6.7%. Growth momentum is expected to remain positive, with the market projected to expand at a CAGR of 5.0% during 2025-2029. By the end of 2029, the cement market is projected to expand from its 2024 value of US$789.9 million to approximately US$1.01 billion. Article content This report provides a data-rich, forward-looking analysis of cement industry, covering market size, pricing trends, production, consumption, and segment-level performance from 2020 to 2029. It examines cement demand across key residential, non-residential, and infrastructure sectors alongside granular segmentation by cement type, distribution channel, end-user profile, and city tier. Article content Canada's cement industry is at a strategic inflection point marked by decarbonization mandates, shifting demand sources, and a renewed federal infrastructure focus. While traditional residential demand is softening in urban cores, public transit, utilities, and institutional projects are sustaining baseline cement volumes. Firms are aligning operations with net-zero policy targets by adopting carbon capture technologies, increasing the use of supplementary cementitious materials, and enhancing digital efficiency. At the same time, challenges related to energy costs, import reliance, and regulatory compliance are reshaping the competitive landscape. Article content The industry's medium-term outlook depends on balancing supply chain resilience, innovation-led decarbonization, and regional market adaptability. Firms that respond to policy shifts with scalable sustainability models and targeted product strategies will shape the next phase of sectoral evolution. Canada's cement industry is entering a strategic realignment driven by climate policy, digital transformation, and shifting demand patterns. As the sector moves away from high-volume urban residential builds toward sustainability-focused public and industrial projects, companies must adapt their portfolios and processes accordingly. Article content The future will reward firms that invest early in carbon capture, SCM integration, and regional logistics optimization. Strong policy engagement, technological agility, and ESG-linked branding will be critical to securing procurement access and financing in the coming years. With careful balancing of operational cost controls, environmental responsibility, and infrastructure-linked opportunity, Canada's cement sector can redefine its role in a low-carbon economy while maintaining its foundational role in national development. Public Infrastructure and Climate-Linked Construction Are Supporting Demand Stability Article content Federal and Provincial Infrastructure Plans Are Driving Institutional Cement Use: Canada's Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) continues to channel funding into transit, water systems, and public buildings, providing a consistent demand base. Cement volumes have increased in projects like Ontario Line (Toronto), the REM expansion (Montreal), and flood resilience works in British Columbia. CRH Canada and Lafarge have responded by prioritizing bulk cement supply to these zones through upgraded terminal logistics and dedicated batching services. Sustainable Housing and Retrofit Programs Are Creating Niche Demand Growth: Green building programs under CMHC and regional net-zero building codes have accelerated demand for blended and specialty cement in retrofitting. Demand is growing for high-performance cement products in provinces like Quebec and British Columbia, where provincial energy codes are stricter. Holcim Canada has positioned its low-carbon cement portfolio to meet retrofit demand in urban multi-residential buildings. Private Sector Construction Faces Mixed Momentum: Commercial construction in urban downtowns is stagnating due to office space oversupply, but warehousing and healthcare facilities are expanding. The rise of fulfillment centers and cold storage projects in Alberta and Ontario has driven demand for industrial-grade cement mixes. Article content Strategic Collaborations and Green Technologies Are Transforming Operations Article content Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU) is Gaining Traction: In 2024, Heidelberg Materials North America advanced its Edmonton-based CCU project, aiming for the first full-scale carbon-neutral cement plant on the continent. The initiative integrates flue gas capture and mineralization, setting a precedent for sector-wide emissions reduction. Cross-Sector Partnerships Are Facilitating Circular Economy Models: Lafarge Canada has expanded partnerships with local governments and energy providers for co-processing construction waste and biomass as kiln fuel. The company collaborated with the City of Richmond in 2023 to pilot biosolids co-processing, demonstrating municipal-industrial synergy. Digital Process Control Systems Are Optimizing Energy and Yield: CRH and Holcim have implemented AI-based kiln monitoring systems and automated raw mix adjustments across major plants in Ontario and Alberta. These tools are enabling real-time emissions tracking and optimizing thermal energy use, directly supporting ESG compliance and operational savings. Article content Production is Being Impacted by Import Dependency, Energy Costs, and Regulatory Compliance Article content Clinker Import Reliance is Affecting Supply Chain Flexibility: Canada imports a significant portion of clinker from the U.S. and Europe, particularly in Atlantic provinces and Ontario, creating vulnerability to shipping disruptions. In 2024, port congestion and vessel shortages delayed multiple shipments to Halifax and Windsor terminals, affecting cement availability. Electricity and Fuel Price Fluctuations Are Pressuring Margins: High industrial power costs in Quebec and British Columbia, especially during winter peaks, have increased kiln operating expenses. Several plants have shifted energy usage to off-peak hours and increased on-site renewable integration to reduce volatility exposure. Environmental Regulation Compliance Requires Capital Allocation: New federal protocols on carbon reporting, air emissions, and quarry rehabilitation have added layers of operational complexity. In Ontario, delayed permit renewals for raw material quarries have slowed production expansion plans, particularly for smaller players. Industry Outlook is Anchored in Green Public Procurement and Digitized Operations Article content Government Procurement Standards Will Shape Product Portfolio Strategy: The federal Buy Clean Canada initiative and provincial equivalents are prioritizing low-embodied carbon materials in public construction. Producers are tailoring low-carbon cement offerings to meet procurement specifications for schools, hospitals, and transit-related structures. Modernization and Efficiency Will Drive Competitive Differentiation: Digitization of batching, transport tracking, and predictive maintenance is reducing waste and increasing turnaround reliability across distribution networks. Companies like Ash Grove Cement are upgrading plant automation in Manitoba to remain competitive with larger multinational players. Blended Cement and SCM Adoption Will Accelerate: Increased use of fly ash, slag, and limestone filler is supporting decarbonization, especially in Western Canada where coal-fired power residues remain accessible. Holcim has announced new R&D investment into calcined clay blends, aiming to reduce clinker ratio by 30-40% in next-gen product lines. Article content Risks Are Emerging Across Logistics, Policy Uncertainty, and Input Material Availability Article content Global Logistics Disruptions Continue to Impact Import-Heavy Markets: The Port of Vancouver and St. Lawrence Seaway bottlenecks have periodically delayed raw material imports and outbound product deliveries. Weather-related delays, union actions, and fuel surcharges have added risk premiums to just-in-time supply models. Policy Volatility and Permitting Complexity Create Planning Challenges: Delays in emissions credit frameworks and prolonged approval processes for environmental assessments have caused hesitancy in capital investment planning. Provincial variation in carbon policies adds complexity for firms operating across jurisdictions, requiring adaptive compliance strategies. Material Quality and Quarry Access Pose Strategic Risks: Variability in local limestone quality and regulatory restrictions on new quarry development are creating long-term planning constraints. Some firms are exploring synthetic alternatives and waste-derived aggregates to hedge against future access and cost issues. Article content Scope Article content Canada Cement Industry Overview Article content Cement Production KPIs: Volume and Value Cement Consumption KPIs: Volume and Value Average Cement Price Trends: Tracked at overall and cement-type level Article content Canada Cement Market by Type of Cement Article content Portland Cement Blended Cement Specialty Cement Green Cement Article content Blended Cement Market by Subtypes of Cement Article content Type IS(X) – Portland-Slag Cement Type IP(X) – Portland-Pozzolan Cement IL(X) – Portland-Limestone Cement Type IT – Ternary Blended Cement Article content Specialty Cement Market by Subtypes of Cement Article content Rapid Hardening Cement High Alumina Cement White Cement Sulfate-Resistant Cement Other Niche Specialty Cements Article content Canada Cement Market by Key Sector Article content Residential Construction Article content Multi-Family Housing Single-Family Housing Article content Non-Residential Construction Article content Commercial Buildings Article content Office Buildings Retail Spaces Hospitality Facilities Restaurants Sports Complexes Other Commercial Properties Article content Industrial Buildings Article content Manufacturing Units Chemical & Pharmaceutical Facilities Metal and Material Processing Plants Article content Institutional Buildings Article content Healthcare Facilities Educational Institutions Other Institutional Structures Article content Infrastructure & Other Construction Article content Canada Cement Market by Distribution Channel Article content Direct Distribution (B2B Sales) Indirect Distribution (Retailers, Dealers) Article content Canada Cement Market by End-User Article content Ready-Mix Concrete Producers Concrete Product Manufacturers Individual Consumers (Self-use) Other Industrial/Commercial Users Article content Canada Cement Market by Location Tier Article content Tier-I Cities Tier-II Cities Tier-III Cities Article content Canada Cement Trade Dynamics Article content Key Export Destinations Key Import Sources Article content Competitive Landscape: Canada Cement Market Article content Market Share Analysis of Key Players Article content For more information about this report visit About is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content Contacts Article content Article content Article content


Globe and Mail
33 minutes ago
- Globe and Mail
Bitcoin's Unstoppable Rise: 5 Reasons $150k is Next
'The hard-to-believe 'Great Paradox' in the stock market is: What seems too high and risky to the majority usually goes higher eventually, and what seems low and cheap usually goes lower.' ~William J. O'Neil Bitcoin is the Best Performing Asset Bitcoin was once called a 'gambling token' and 'rat poison squared' by legendary investor Warren Buffett, arguably the best investor of his time. However, by now, it has become impossible for Wall Street to deny the once obscure and first-of-its-kind cryptocurrency. A decade ago, Bitcoin traded at $286. Today, Bitcoin hit another all-time high of $123,000, marking a 430x increase over the past ten years and accruing an eye-popping 83% annualized return, far surpassing the next best asset class. Now, Bitcoin is one of the largest asset classes in the world. Below are five reasons the momentum is likely to continue into 2026, including: 1. Bitcoin is Digital Gold What differentiates Bitcoin from fiat currency and any other cryptocurrency is its scarcity and role as a store of value. Unlike fiat currency, which can be printed by central bankers out of thin air, there will only ever be 21 million Bitcoins in existence. Why is this important? As global central banks around the world print trillions of dollars and borrow money, fiat currencies like the dollar continue to lose value. As a result, investors gravitate towards Bitcoin and metals to fight this phenomenon. With the US passing another massive spending bill recently, there is no end in sight to this troubling trend in fiat. 2. Bitcoin ETFs Provide Wider Access Until recently, investors who wanted to buy Bitcoin had to have a separate crypto account through an exchange like Coinbase Global ( COIN ) or Galaxy Digital ( GLXY ). However,early last year, theUS Securities and Exchange Commission finally approved Bitcoin ETFs, allowing far more access to a larger group of investors. The launch of Bitcoin ETFs like BlackRock's (BLK) iShares Bitcoin ETF ( IBIT ) underscores the success. IBIT was the most successful ETF launch in history and is already the 20 th largest ETF in the United States. In addition to the ETF approvals, traditional stock brokers like Robinhood ( HOOD ) and Interactive Brokers ( IBKR ) now offer a suite of crypto trading products. 3. Bitcoin Week Looms This week has been dubbed 'Crypto Week' by the Republicans. DC is slated to vote on the 'GENIUS Act,' which will provide a regulatory framework around stablecoins like Circle Group's ( CRCL ) USDC token. 'The CLARITY Act' will also aim to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework for digital assets. Crypto companies have had to deal with regulatory ambiguity from regulators for years. With a clear regulatory framework, more institutional investors are likely to flock to the digital asset industry. 4. There is a Lack of Hype Around Bitcoin Though Bitcoin continues to print fresh all-time highs, you wouldn't know it by looking at Bitcoin interest on Alphabet's ( GOOGL ) 'Google Trends.' Interest is at multi-year lows, presenting investors with a contrarian opportunity. 5. Bitcoin Fibs Suggest $150k Price Target Market technicians use Fibonacci levels as a tool to identify potential price targets. The Bitcoin fibs suggest that a price target of $150k by early 2026 is realistic. Bottom Line As market technicians now eye a $150k price target, Bitcoin's ongoing momentum suggests that its remarkable growth story is far from over, reminding investors that true opportunity often lies where the majority hesitates. 5 Stocks Set to Double Each was handpicked by a Zacks expert as the favorite stock to gain +100% or more in the months ahead. They include Stock #1: A Disruptive Force with Notable Growth and Resilience Stock #2: Bullish Signs Signaling to Buy the Dip Stock #3: One of the Most Compelling Investments in the Market Stock #4: Leader In a Red-Hot Industry Poised for Growth Stock #5: Modern Omni-Channel Platform Coiled to Spring Most of the stocks in this report are flying under Wall Street radar, which provides a great opportunity to get in on the ground floor. While not all picks can be winners, previous recommendations have soared +171%, +209% and +232%. Download Atomic Opportunity: Nuclear Energy's Comeback free today. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Interactive Brokers Group, Inc. (IBKR): Free Stock Analysis Report Alphabet Inc. (GOOGL): Free Stock Analysis Report Coinbase Global, Inc. (COIN): Free Stock Analysis Report Robinhood Markets, Inc. (HOOD): Free Stock Analysis Report Galaxy Digital Inc. (GLXY): Free Stock Analysis Report Circle Internet Group, Inc. (CRCL): Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (


CTV News
38 minutes ago
- CTV News
Sault considers building a giant steel snowflake as a tourist attraction
A snowflake is seen in this file photo. Meeting on Tuesday, city council in the Sault will vote on a motion calling for a new tourist attraction: a giant snowflake sculpture made of locally produced steel. (File) Meeting on Tuesday, city council in the Sault will vote on a motion calling for a new tourist attraction: a giant snowflake sculpture made of locally produced steel. Moved by Coun. Stephan Kinach and seconded by Coun. Marchy Bruni, the motion would begin a process to design and plan for the steel sculpture. Giant sculpture 'A giant snowflake sculpture, crafted from locally produced steel, would serve as a meaningful and visually striking symbol of both our natural climate and our local industry, reinforcing the city's connection to winter and its manufacturing heritage,' the motion said. 'Such a sculpture would not only contribute to beautification and placemaking but could also support local artists, fabricators, and businesses through its design, construction and installation.' If approved, city staff would consult with potential partners and residents on the plan and report back to council on 'potential project scope, design, location, and community engagement opportunities.' Staff would also be directed to come up with cost estimates and funding sources, including revenue from the city's hotel room tax, existing art funding and 'donations, sponsorship, grants, and funding from other levels of government.'