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Global News
6 days ago
- Business
- Global News
Trump's 50% tariff on steel, aluminum now in effect
U.S. President Donald Trump's doubling of tariffs on foreign steel and aluminum is now in effect, duties that Canada's industries say will create 'mass disruption.' The order laid out plans to increase the duties from their previous rate of 25 per cent, saying it was necessary for national security reasons and to bolster those industries in the U.S., but added that the original tariffs imposed in March didn't have the desired effect. There were no exemptions for Canada, but the U.K., which signed a new trade framework last month, will see its tariff rate remain at 25 per cent. Canada's steel and aluminum industries have warned that doubling the rate would have damaging impacts for producers and the North American supply chains. About a quarter of all steel used in the U.S. is imported and Canada is its largest supplier. Story continues below advertisement 'The steel and aluminum tariffs will apply only to the steel and aluminum contents of imported products, whereas the non-steel and non-aluminum contents of imported products will be subject to other applicable tariffs,' the White House said in reference to other countries. The doubling comes slightly less than three months after Trump imposed the original rate, duties that were last seen during his first term in office on the same industries. 0:34 LeBlanc says trade meeting with U.S. was 'positive' amid looming steel, aluminum tariff increase The initial impacts of those tariffs have led to cost increases for Canadian metals producers, with the industry saying the North American sector could face 'unrecoverable consequences' if the doubling occurs. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy 'Steel tariffs at this level will create mass disruption and negative consequences across our highly integrated steel supply chains and customers on both sides of the border,' the Canadian Steel Producers Association said in a weekend statement. Story continues below advertisement The Aluminum Association of Canada has called the situation 'unprecedented.' Industry Minister Melanie Joly said Sunday the federal government plans to prioritize Canadian steel and aluminum for federal contracts and the domestic defence manufacturing industry, which it plans to bolster with new investments. 2:07 'Can't be kicked around any longer': Doug Ford suggests slapping US with 25% retaliatory tariffs 'We are in a trade war and we know that our steel and aluminum workers are worried — we're standing up for them,' Joly said during question period in the House of Commons on Tuesday. Dominic LeBlanc, the minister responsible for Canada-U.S. trade, was in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday and spoke with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick in what he called a 'positive conversation.' 'Every time we sit down … we deepen our understanding in terms of the concerns they have around so many of these issues,' he told reporters. Story continues below advertisement 'It's an opportunity for us to also explain to them our firm position in terms of these tariffs being negative for the Canadian economy and Canadian workers, but also for the United States.' LeBlanc did not, however, say if a possible exemption would be provided for Canada. — with files from Global News' Sean Boynton and The Canadian Press
Calgary Herald
6 days ago
- Business
- Calgary Herald
Carney denounces 'unlawful and unjustified' doubling of U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum
OTTAWA — Prime Minister Mark Carney says the government is in 'live negotiations' with the United States to remove all tariffs on Canadian goods on the same day U.S. President Donald Trump ordered border levies be doubled on steel and aluminum imports. Article content 'The additional tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum announced today by the United States are unlawful and unjustified,' Carney said in a statement Tuesday evening. Article content Article content Article content 'Canada's new government is engaged in intensive and live negotiations to have these and other tariffs removed as part of a new economic and security partnership with the United States.' Article content Article content The move deals a significant blow to a key Canadian export, with industry groups warning that steel and aluminum producers are reeling from the noticeable drop in American imports. Article content More than 90 per cent of Canada's steel and aluminum is exported to the United States, according to 2024 federal government statistics. Article content In a statement, the Aluminum Association of Canada said the additional tariffs make Canadian exports to the U.S. 'economically unviable'. Article content 'This measure risks increasing U.S. reliance on aluminium from distant sources — including China, Russia, India and the Middle East — for a material critical to national security,' association president and CEO Jean Simard said in a statement. Article content Article content 'Even with higher domestic output, the U.S. will continue to rely on substantial aluminium imports.' Article content Article content In his statement, Carney promised that 'every dollar' from Canada's retaliatory tariffs on the U.S. to date will be used to support impacted Canadian businesses, though it did not detail how. Article content 'We are fighting to get the best deal for Canada, and we will take the time necessary, but no longer,' Carney said. Article content In his executive order, Trump once again accused foreign countries of offloading lower priced steel and aluminum into the American market, undercutting the domestic industry. Article content 'In my judgment, the increased tariffs will more effectively counter foreign countries that continue to offload low-priced, excess steel and aluminum in the United States market and thereby undercut the competitiveness of the United States steel and aluminum industries,' read the executive order signed by Trump.
Toronto Star
06-05-2025
- Automotive
- Toronto Star
Insider says Mark Carney knows ‘anything can happen' in meeting with Donald Trump
WASHINGTON — A plan beats no plan, as Mark Carney likes to say. But in Donald Trump's White House, plans go out the window. It's going to be a perilous few hours for the newly elected prime minister as he navigates the first handshake, the postures, the unscripted remarks in front of a phalanx of cameras for a series high-stakes meetings in Washington. When his plane landed here Monday, there was a red carpet and a standard greeting by an acting U.S. protocol official and Canada's ambassador in Washington. Nothing fancy. Nothing that attested to a special relationship. As Carney was flying to Joint Base Andrews outside the capital, Trump was already airily dissing their Tuesday tête-à-tête. 'I'm not sure what he wants to see me about, but I guess he wants to make a deal,' he said. 'Everybody does.' ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney arrived in Washington on Monday ahead of talks with US President Donald Trump. The two leaders will meet Tuesday. (AP Video / May 5, 2025) Carney may emerge from his first face-to-face meeting with Trump with punitive tariffs on Canadian autos, steel and aluminum still in place, new threats in the offing, and nothing more than a promise for how future trade and security talks should unfold. That would be a win in the eyes of key stakeholders and some premiers. Several told the Star Monday that it's unrealistic to expect the tariffs would be immediately lifted. 'I think that's asking a lot,' said Jean Simard, a spokesman for the Aluminum Association of Canada, adding that the economic impact is starting to be felt across U.S. supply chains, and that will soon be apparent to Trump. Flavio Volpe, head of the Auto Parts Manufacturers Association, said 'you don't go into a meeting like this saying you're going to get some concession against these tariff threats' or else. Rather, they and others expect success for Carney is more about framing the path forward, what will be on the agenda in a review next year of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico free trade deal, whether those talks would start earlier (which would be a concession from Canada as it is not up for renegotiation), and what additional things might be now on the table that weren't when it was originally signed in 2018. Trump hailed the deal as a win at the time, saying it 'changes the trade landscape forever.' Yet it didn't account for a broader range of issues now in play, such as artificial intelligence, critical minerals, potash, uranium or energy. 'Does it mean renegotiating? Could it be side agreements that could be annexed to the main agreement in order to avoid reopening the whole thing?' said Simard. 'Because it's like reopening the Canadian Constitution — if you do that, you know where you start, but you don't know where and when it will end.' ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney headed to Washington on Monday ahead of talks with US President Donald Trump. Carney's visit will be watched closely by Canadians infuriated by Trump — and by an anxious business community looking for tariff relief. (AP Video / May 5, 2025) On Monday, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick told Fox News dismissively that it would be 'complex' to get a new trade deal with Canada 'because they have been basically feeding off of us for decades upon decades upon decades, right? They have their socialist regime, and it's basically feeding off of America. I mean, the president calls it out all the time, why do we make cars in Canada? Why do we do our films in Canada? Come on.' Lutnick predicted that it would be a 'fascinating meeting' between the two leaders, but added, 'I just don't see how it works out so perfect.' Since Trump set out to change the global trading landscape with new tariffs against Canada and Mexico, and with worldwide import duties (briefly on pause), global leaders have travelled to Washington to meet him. A senior Ontario official close to the file said they have not left with a consistent takeaway. 'The biggest challenge the world is facing is no one really knows what the Trump administration wants to achieve and that makes it hard to sort of anchor a strategy' for how respond, said the official, whom the Star agreed not to identify in order talk frankly about sensitive trade talks. For Carney's team, 'the challenge will be understanding' Trump's objective, and then ensuring Trump's 'objectives are maintained because they change often, and they change fast,' said the official. 'I think we should be realistic about what success looks like tomorrow.' Carney may need to 'pivot' quickly, the official added, because a new trilateral free trade deal may be hard to achieve. 'We've heard loud and clear from folks in the Trump administration that (separate trade deals with Canada and Mexico) is not an unlikely outcome out of all of this.' ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW For the auto and aluminum sector representatives, it makes little sense to pivot away from the trilateral pact to bilateral deals, because their sectors are not only integrated but work across borders to stem threats from cheap Chinese imports. Volpe tempered his expectations. If Carney 'came out with some concessions against current threats, that'd be great,' he said. 'But I don't expect the prime minister to go in hard negotiating on a first meeting.' Instead it will be a 'conversation' in which Trump may come to 'understand the intrinsic value of a Mark Carney-Canada partnership,' in order to show the world it's not just chaos at his White House, Volpe said. 'He surrounded himself with Wall Street guys who are much louder than anything we're all used to, but the Wall Street guys know who Mark Carney is,' said Volpe. Carney landed just after 4 p.m. Monday and was set for a brief meeting organized by the Business Council of Canada with Canadian and American business leaders. On Tuesday, he has about three hours of meetings at the White House, including a working lunch with Trump and other officials, and a meeting with just Trump. Over the weekend, Trump repeated his goal of making Canada his country's 51st state, said he'd raise it with Carney. He also levelled a new threat against the U.S. filmmaking industry, promising tariffs that would directly affect film and television production in Canada. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW Carney sought to lower expectations Friday when he said his focus is on 'both immediate trade pressures and the broader future economic and security relationship,' and that he'd 'take all the time necessary, but not more, in order to do so.' Carney has also vowed to reset the defence and security partnership with the U.S. as he tries to strengthen ties with other European and Asian partners. He's said he will increase Canadian defence spending to hit the NATO target of two per cent of gross domestic product by 2030, ahead of Justin Trudeau's previously set schedule. Trump, however, wants NATO allies to spend five per cent of GDP on defence. Premier Doug Ford has urged Carney to hit the two per cent defence spending target faster, to drop the digital services tax which hits U.S.-based tech giants and remains a persistent irritant to Trump, and to work on a broader energy and critical mineral strategy with the Trump administration. The Ontario official said the Americans 'do not have the critical minerals they need to power their economy. I think that's a real opportunity — whether it's critical minerals, potash, oil and gas — to really emphasize Canada's strategic offering,' and finally be heard in a way Canada wasn't before 'because of the baggage of the Trudeau-Trump relationship.' In a letter Monday to Carney, Ford pledged to work with the federal government and other provinces to make Canada more resilient to Trump's threats. He vowed to help Carney build new 'energy corridors for pipelines, rail lines, transmission lines and other critical infrastructure necessary to get Canadian resources and energy to new and established refineries, as well as to new tidewater and, beyond it, new markets.' ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW That will boost the Canadian economy and 'significantly reduce the existential risk and threat' of any intervention by the United States, either at the state or federal level' in a long-running legal dispute over the Line 5 pipeline that carries oil and natural gas liquids from Michigan to Sarnia for refining. Ford said it's critical 'to ensure we're able to power our future no matter what.' And Ford set out a marker that, as the Carney government works toward a 'renewed security and economic partnership, Ontario expects frequent, ongoing and meaningful engagement by the federal government with all provinces and territories at all stages to ensure our core interests are reflected in any outcome.' Public Safety Minister David McGuinty, International Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc and Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly are accompanying Carney on the Washington trip, but no minister briefed reporters on Carney's goals or strategy for the meeting. That is deliberate, to lower the temperature. Carney's team says it is not going in to renegotiate the Canada-United States-Mexico trade agreement in this first meeting. Instead, the prime minister is going into the talks with the expectation that 'anything can happen, positive or negative,' said one federal official, whom the Star agreed not to identify, and who declined to discuss the trip further. That, says the Ontario official, is smart. Carney should not go in 'dug in that we are right on all of these things and they are wrong, and then screw themselves,' they said. 'That will only lead to more tension and more conflict.' Politics Headlines Newsletter Get the latest news and unmatched insights in your inbox every evening Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. Please enter a valid email address. Sign Up Yes, I'd also like to receive customized content suggestions and promotional messages from the Star. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Politics Headlines Newsletter You're signed up! You'll start getting Politics Headlines in your inbox soon. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page.
CBC
04-03-2025
- Business
- CBC
How will aluminum tariffs impact U.S. consumers?
The impact of U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs will increase the cost of buying aluminum for American consumers, says Jean Simard, president and CEO of the Aluminum Association of Canada. 'The pain will be felt more downstream of primary production,' he said.
CBC
04-03-2025
- Business
- CBC
Here's how Trump's tariffs could affect major Quebec industries
Just after midnight Tuesday, U.S. President Donald Trump imposed 25 per cent tariffs on virtually all Canadian goods in a move that will impact a number of Quebec's industries and jobs. Quebec's aluminum, forestry and manufacturing industries could be among the hardest, with Premier François Legault saying it could cost Quebecers around 160,00 jobs over a few months. In early February, Legault said Quebec is planning a similar loan program for businesses as it did during the COVID-19 pandemic in the event of tariffs — which were originally set to start on Feb. 4. A recent Desjardins Group report noted Quebec's position was more vulnerable to tariffs than other provinces. Here are some of the Quebec industries on the front lines of the trade war. Aluminum In Quebec, almost 40,000 jobs are tied to the aluminum industry. The most reliable and closest supplier for the U.S. is Canada, says François Racine, the president and CEO of Alu-Québec. The organization brings together producers, manufacturers and processors. In February, Racine said the Trump tariffs will result in the price of aluminum in North America going up by 25 per cent, making it less competitive and more expensive on both sides of the border. In terms of long-term damages, he says aluminum parts being made in Canada could be replaced by those made elsewhere in the world where costs are lower. WATCH | How aluminum tariffs could impact Canada's economy: How tariffs on Quebec's massive aluminum exports could have ripple effects across the economy 1 month ago Duration 2:57 While the province's second largest industry has a built-in firewall against President Donald Trump's tariffs on Canadian exports to the U.S., the complexity of the aluminum-related trade relationship between Quebec and the U.S. means effects will still be felt. According to Jean Simard, president and CEO of the Aluminum Association of Canada (AAC), the impacts will be felt more on the other side of the border, by the customers. "Our plants will continue to operate. People will continue to work. But the shock will be felt broadly and immediately on the American side," he said. WATCH | Trudeau says Trump's 'dumb' trade war designed to collapse Canadian economy: Canada responds to Trump tariffs Started 4 hours ago Live Forestry Back in November, Quebec forestry companies said they were worried Trump's re-election could lead to more plants in the province closing. Forestry companies are already critical of paying a 14.54 per cent tax on lumber at the American border. Jean-François Samray, CEO of Quebec Forest Industry Council, says the U.S. annually consumes 50 billion board feet — the unit of measurement for the volume of lumber. He says Quebec provides five per cent of that annually. "In a perfect competitive market, it makes a huge difference on prices," said Samray. "The United States is far from being self-sufficient." He says roughly 50 per cent of what is produced in Quebec is exported to the U.S and that the newly imposed tariffs will affect the entire supply chain. Manufacturing Julie White, chief executive officer of manufacturers and exporters of Quebec, says it's a really dark day for the economy. She says they're preparing for the slow down and freeze on investments in the manufacturing sector and losing productivity. Job losses are expected as well, which is why she says there needs to be emergency funds available for businesses to help with cash flow. Some manufacturing companies are trying to expand to new markets. WATCH | Canada isn't the only country preparing for tariffs. Here's what Mexico is doing: What do Donald Trump's tariffs mean for Mexico's trade? 2 days ago Duration 7:23 Chief political correspondent Rosemary Barton speaks with former Mexican deputy trade minister Juan Carlos Baker on what's at stake for Mexico on Tuesday if Trump moves forward with tariffs. But for Huppé, a Quebec-based furniture company, shipping to Europe, for example, would make their furniture significantly less competitive, given the cost of transportation. President Julie St-Arnaud says she's been communicating with American clients who represent half of its business. Even last month, before the tariffs came into effect, some Quebec companies announced layoffs. Quebec furniture-maker South Shore announced it would be laying off 115 employees. In a news release, the company said 70 per cent of its sales are conducted in the U.S. and that it had seen those plummet in the face of Trump's tariff threats. Uniboard, a Laval-based wood products manufacturer, said it would be temporarily closing five production lines at its Sayabec plant in the Gaspésie region. Canadian pantyhose-maker Sheertex — placing blame on impending tariff changes being made by the U.S., where Sheertex does 85 per cent of its sales. Fishing Even with renewed calls to buy Canadian, some seafood processors say that doesn't solve the problem. Bill Sheehan, the co-owner of E. Gagnon et fils and Pêcheries Marinard, has said his business will need to find markets elsewhere, possibly in Asia and Europe, because of the hundreds of millions of pounds of product.
