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Hamilton Spectator
01-08-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Disappointment, but no shock in Hamilton as tariff deadline passes without a deal
A deadline that could have spelled the end of an ongoing trade war with the United States has passed with no agreement — and increased across-the-board tariffs on Canadian goods. U.S. President Donald Trump's increased 35 per cent tariffs — up from 25 per cent — came into effect Aug. 1 and apply to goods not included in the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). The move, the U.S. government said, is due to 'Canada's lack of co-operation in stemming the flood of fentanyl.' Most Canadian goods meet the terms dictated by CUSMA, meaning they are not hit by the tariffs, which are separate from those targeting specific sectors. However, tariffs impacting Hamilton's steel industry — as well as aluminum and copper tariffs — remain unchanged at 50 per cent. Trump doubled them to 50 per cent in June, after previously hitting the Canadian industries with 25 per cent tariffs. Ron Wells, the president of the United Steelworkers Local 1005, which represents around 600 workers at Stelco's Hamilton site, said while he is disappointed a deal wasn't reached, it 'wasn't a shock.' Ron Wells is president of the United Steelworkers Local 1005, which represents about 600 workers at Stelco's Hamilton site. While he is disappointed a tariff deal wasn't reached before the Aug. 1 deadline, he said it wasn't a shock. 'This is the new normal,' he said of the tariffs, adding he was 'not really hopeful' about the potential for a deal in the lead-up to the deadline — particularly after Trump suggested Canadian plans to back Palestinian statehood at the United Nations would make it 'very hard to reach a deal.' Since the deadline has passed, Wells said Canada should hit back against the United States and match American tariffs on steel and aluminum, doubling them to 25 per cent. That echoes the sentiment of Ontario Premier Doug Ford, who called on the federal government to 'hit back' with a 50 per cent tariff on U.S. steel and aluminum in a post on X. 'The federal government needs to maximize our leverage and stand strong in the face of President Trump's tariffs,' Ford posted. Wells said he is hopeful measures announced by the Liberal government in July — including caps on imported steel, stiff tariffs if those caps are exceeded, prioritizing the use of Canadian steel in government procurement and $70 million in new funding over three years to help steel workers get retrained — help Canadian steelmakers. Hamilton Chamber of Commerce CEO Greg Dunnett said Hamilton may be the community that is 'getting hit the hardest' in Canada, due to the continued steel and aluminum duties – in addition to the new 35 per cent tariffs. Hamilton Chamber of Commerce CEO Greg Dunnett said Hamilton may be the community that is 'getting hit the hardest' in Canada, due to the continued steel and aluminum duties — in addition to the new 35 per cent tariffs. He noted creating a fair long-term deal is 'very, very difficult' due to the 'moving goalposts' from Trump. 'I think it is imperative of our government right now to be strategic,' he said, adding the government should work to strengthen the economy, diversifying trade within the country to move Canada forward in the long-term without a dependence on the U.S. 'Escalation is risky, but so is inaction.' He said the tariffs have been disruptive, bringing uncertainty and cost increases across the board — which is impacting jobs, investment and trade relationships. While he said Hamilton is 'resilient,' the longer the trade war drags on, the more difficult it will get for businesses. Dunnett noted the uncertainty due to the tariff situation is hurting innovation due to a lack of investment, and the chamber continues to advocate to all levels of government for support for the local business community. He added among the businesses hardest hit are restaurants, whose business drops when customers have less disposable income. Canadian Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Candace Laing said spending 'a little more time' on the right deal is worth the wait because it can 'deliver lasting benefits.' However, Laing stressed businesses in Canada and the U.S. 'urgently' need more certainty. Keanin Loomis, the president of the Canadian Institute of Steel Construction (CISC), said while he was hopeful for a deal, comments from the government and Prime Minister Mark Carney had made it clear negotiations were difficult. Prime Minister Mark Carney and Keanin Loomis, president and CEO of the Canadian Institute of Steel Construction, chat with employees of Walters Steel during a July funding announcement for the steel industry. 'We will give our government the time and space it needs to make a good deal, because we don't want them to rush into a bad deal,' he said. While there is disappointment the situation is ongoing, Loomis said 'everyone in Canada' likely understands the difficulty of dealing with the Trump administration. Loomis said the increase of tariffs from 25 to 35 per cent is somewhat 'token' when all CUSMA trade is tariff-free — and shouldn't cause 'major concern' in the broader economy. However, he said the ongoing 50 per cent U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum are 'not sustainable' for the industry — and something needs to change in the next couple of months. 'It would be really hard to see us being able to continue this way into the fall,' he said. While noting he doesn't speak for ArcelorMittal Dofasco and Stelco, he said he's 'really concerned' for them, adding it is alarming how much the steel producers have dealt with due to the tariffs. But for the CISC members, he said while some have suffered already, many are still working on previously arranged projects. The concern, Loomis said, is what happens in six months, as the tariff uncertainty means a lack of long-term investments — and future jobs for the industry. John McElroy, the United Steelworkers local union president at Stelco's Nanticoke steelmaking hub, said he had hoped for a resolution to the tariff war by now. McElroy said he and other USW local presidents were able to speak privately with Carney and share their concerns during his most recent visit to Hamilton. 'He basically told us, 'I could sign a deal now, but it would be a crappy deal,' recalled McElroy. 'I understand that.' McElroy added Stelco seems to be holding its own despite 50 per cent tariffs, thanks in part to higher steel prices and success finding new Canadian customers. 'We're kind of weathering the storm for now.' —With files from Matthew Van Dongen
The Sun
05-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Canada steelworkers urge Ottawa to counter Trump
HAMILTON: Steelworkers in the Canadian city of Hamilton see President Donald Trump's latest trade war escalation as a wake-up call, insisting US efforts to protect struggling metal producers demand an equivalent national response. Hamilton is known locally as 'Steeltown,' with expansive industrial plants dominating the view from the main bridge that leads into the city. Hamilton has endured countless setbacks as the steel industry that drove its growth through much of 20th Century declined. Trump's decision to double steel and aluminum tariffs to a crippling 50 percent did not come as a shock to those who have spent decades in the industry. 'Steel is like a roller-coaster,' said Jake Lombardo, who retired after 38 years at Stelco, one of Hamilton's main plants. Lombardo's career spanned the era that saw automation and cheaper foreign product hollow out Hamilton's steel sector. He voiced a degree of understanding for Trump's efforts to shield US producers from external competition. 'I'm not a Trump supporter, but one thing I like (about) what he said, he wants to do things in-house. And I don't think there's anything wrong with that,' Lombardo, 69, told AFP. 'We should have been doing this a long time ago.' Hamilton's steel industry was born in the early part of the last century, hitting its peak in the decades following World War II, when the main local union, United Steelworkers Local 1005, counted more than 12,000 members. That number has since fallen to about 650, said union president Ron Wells. Wells said he wasn't opposed to a future where Canadian producers serve Canadian demand and cross-border trade is reduced. But, like Lombardo, he believes Ottawa needs to create the environment that ensures that Canadian steelmakers thrive. 'We've been saying that for, like years, if not decades,' Wells told AFP. 'Better late than never'? The union chief said he was encouraged by Prime Minister Mark Carney's pledge to counter Trump's trade war by boosting internal trade and ushering in an era of massive construction across Canada. Asked about the prospect that Hamilton could benefit from Carney's recent promise that his government would 'build baby build,' Wells said: 'we applaud it.' 'It's better late than never.' Carney on Wednesday called Trump's decision to double steel and aluminum tariffs 'unjustified' and 'illegal' and promised that Canada -- the largest supplier of foreign steel and aluminum to the United States -- will respond. But in the short term, Wells said there is cause for concern. Stelco, which was bought by the US steel producer Cleveland-Cliffs last year, had been sending about 30 percent of its output to the United States, Wells said. Those orders largely dried up when Trump imposed a blanket 25 percent tariff on all metal imports in March. But Stelco was still selling to Canadian clients who were making products subsequently sold to the United States, with the American importers absorbing the 25 percent tariff hit. 'The wrong foe' At 50 percent, Wells voiced fear that business could vanish. 'People are just pissed off that (Trump) keeps changing his mind and he's playing chicken with the economy,' Wells told AFP. 'Our members want to see the tariffs situation get resolved. So go back to full production and we can share the wealth.' The Canadian Steel Producers Association, an industry group, said Wednesday that 'at a 25 per cent tariff rate, we saw significant layoffs, curtailed investments and a significant drop of shipments to the United States.' 'At a 50 per cent tariff rate, the US market is effectively closed to Canadian steel, leaving billions of dollars of Canadian steel without a market,' it warned. Throughout Trump's trade war, Canadian workers in targeted sectors -- notably auto and metal -- have voiced frustration over the president's decision to harm a bilateral trade relationship widely seen as mutually beneficial. 'We think they're picking on the wrong foe,' Wells said. Tony Mclaughlin, who has worked for Stelco for 47 years, told AFP he 'always thought we'd be exempt,' from tariffs.' 'Is he trying to get a new trade agreement?' He asked. 'Maybe that's the big plan.'
The Sun
05-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Hamilton Steelworkers React to Trump's Tariff Hike
HAMILTON: Steelworkers in the Canadian city of Hamilton see President Donald Trump's latest trade war escalation as a wake-up call, insisting US efforts to protect struggling metal producers demand an equivalent national response. Hamilton is known locally as 'Steeltown,' with expansive industrial plants dominating the view from the main bridge that leads into the city. Hamilton has endured countless setbacks as the steel industry that drove its growth through much of 20th Century declined. Trump's decision to double steel and aluminum tariffs to a crippling 50 percent did not come as a shock to those who have spent decades in the industry. 'Steel is like a roller-coaster,' said Jake Lombardo, who retired after 38 years at Stelco, one of Hamilton's main plants. Lombardo's career spanned the era that saw automation and cheaper foreign product hollow out Hamilton's steel sector. He voiced a degree of understanding for Trump's efforts to shield US producers from external competition. 'I'm not a Trump supporter, but one thing I like (about) what he said, he wants to do things in-house. And I don't think there's anything wrong with that,' Lombardo, 69, told AFP. 'We should have been doing this a long time ago.' Hamilton's steel industry was born in the early part of the last century, hitting its peak in the decades following World War II, when the main local union, United Steelworkers Local 1005, counted more than 12,000 members. That number has since fallen to about 650, said union president Ron Wells. Wells said he wasn't opposed to a future where Canadian producers serve Canadian demand and cross-border trade is reduced. But, like Lombardo, he believes Ottawa needs to create the environment that ensures that Canadian steelmakers thrive. 'We've been saying that for, like years, if not decades,' Wells told AFP. 'Better late than never'? The union chief said he was encouraged by Prime Minister Mark Carney's pledge to counter Trump's trade war by boosting internal trade and ushering in an era of massive construction across Canada. Asked about the prospect that Hamilton could benefit from Carney's recent promise that his government would 'build baby build,' Wells said: 'we applaud it.' 'It's better late than never.' Carney on Wednesday called Trump's decision to double steel and aluminum tariffs 'unjustified' and 'illegal' and promised that Canada -- the largest supplier of foreign steel and aluminum to the United States -- will respond. But in the short term, Wells said there is cause for concern. Stelco, which was bought by the US steel producer Cleveland-Cliffs last year, had been sending about 30 percent of its output to the United States, Wells said. Those orders largely dried up when Trump imposed a blanket 25 percent tariff on all metal imports in March. But Stelco was still selling to Canadian clients who were making products subsequently sold to the United States, with the American importers absorbing the 25 percent tariff hit. 'The wrong foe' At 50 percent, Wells voiced fear that business could vanish. 'People are just pissed off that (Trump) keeps changing his mind and he's playing chicken with the economy,' Wells told AFP. 'Our members want to see the tariffs situation get resolved. So go back to full production and we can share the wealth.' The Canadian Steel Producers Association, an industry group, said Wednesday that 'at a 25 per cent tariff rate, we saw significant layoffs, curtailed investments and a significant drop of shipments to the United States.' 'At a 50 per cent tariff rate, the US market is effectively closed to Canadian steel, leaving billions of dollars of Canadian steel without a market,' it warned. Throughout Trump's trade war, Canadian workers in targeted sectors -- notably auto and metal -- have voiced frustration over the president's decision to harm a bilateral trade relationship widely seen as mutually beneficial. 'We think they're picking on the wrong foe,' Wells said. Tony Mclaughlin, who has worked for Stelco for 47 years, told AFP he 'always thought we'd be exempt,' from tariffs.' 'Is he trying to get a new trade agreement?' He asked. 'Maybe that's the big plan.'
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Canada steelworkers urge Ottawa to counter Trump
Steelworkers in the Canadian city of Hamilton see President Donald Trump's latest trade war escalation as a wake-up call, insisting US efforts to protect struggling metal producers demand an equivalent national response. Hamilton is known locally as "Steeltown," with expansive industrial plants dominating the view from the main bridge that leads into the city. Hamilton has endured countless setbacks as the steel industry that drove its growth through much of 20th Century declined. Trump's decision to double steel and aluminum tariffs to a crippling 50 percent did not come as a shock to those who have spent decades in the industry. "Steel is like a roller-coaster," said Jake Lombardo, who retired after 38 years at Stelco, one of Hamilton's main plants. Lombardo's career spanned the era that saw automation and cheaper foreign product hollow out Hamilton's steel sector. He voiced a degree of understanding for Trump's efforts to shield US producers from external competition. "I'm not a Trump supporter, but one thing I like (about) what he said, he wants to do things in-house. And I don't think there's anything wrong with that," Lombardo, 69, told AFP. "We should have been doing this a long time ago." Hamilton's steel industry was born in the early part of the last century, hitting its peak in the decades following World War II, when the main local union, United Steelworkers Local 1005, counted more than 12,000 members. That number has since fallen to about 650, said union president Ron Wells. Wells said he wasn't opposed to a future where Canadian producers serve Canadian demand and cross-border trade is reduced. But, like Lombardo, he believes Ottawa needs to create the environment that ensures that Canadian steelmakers thrive. "We've been saying that for, like years, if not decades," Wells told AFP. - 'Better late than never'? - The union chief said he was encouraged by Prime Minister Mark Carney's pledge to counter Trump's trade war by boosting internal trade and ushering in an era of massive construction across Canada. Asked about the prospect that Hamilton could benefit from Carney's recent promise that his government would "build baby build," Wells said: "we applaud it." "It's better late than never." Carney on Wednesday called Trump's decision to double steel and aluminum tariffs "unjustified" and "illegal" and promised that Canada -- the largest supplier of foreign steel and aluminum to the United States -- will respond. But in the short term, Wells said there is cause for concern. Stelco, which was bought by the US steel producer Cleveland-Cliffs last year, had been sending about 30 percent of its output to the United States, Wells said. Those orders largely dried up when Trump imposed a blanket 25 percent tariff on all metal imports in March. But Stelco was still selling to Canadian clients who were making products subsequently sold to the United States, with the American importers absorbing the 25 percent tariff hit. - 'The wrong foe' - At 50 percent, Wells voiced fear that business could vanish. "People are just pissed off that (Trump) keeps changing his mind and he's playing chicken with the economy," Wells told AFP. "Our members want to see the tariffs situation get resolved. So go back to full production and we can share the wealth." The Canadian Steel Producers Association, an industry group, said Wednesday that "at a 25 per cent tariff rate, we saw significant layoffs, curtailed investments and a significant drop of shipments to the United States." "At a 50 per cent tariff rate, the US market is effectively closed to Canadian steel, leaving billions of dollars of Canadian steel without a market," it warned. Throughout Trump's trade war, Canadian workers in targeted sectors -- notably auto and metal -- have voiced frustration over the president's decision to harm a bilateral trade relationship widely seen as mutually beneficial. "We think they're picking on the wrong foe," Wells said. Tony Mclaughlin, who has worked for Stelco for 47 years, told AFP he "always thought we'd be exempt," from tariffs." "Is he trying to get a new trade agreement?" He asked. "Maybe that's the big plan." bs/nl
France 24
04-06-2025
- Business
- France 24
Canada steelworkers urge Ottawa to counter Trump
Hamilton is known locally as "Steeltown," with expansive industrial plants dominating the view from the main bridge that leads into the city. Hamilton has endured countless setbacks as the steel industry that drove its growth through much of 20th Century declined. Trump's decision to double steel and aluminum tariffs to a crippling 50 percent did not come as a shock to those who have spent decades in the industry. "Steel is like a roller-coaster," said Jake Lombardo, who retired after 38 years at Stelco, one of Hamilton's main plants. Lombardo's career spanned the era that saw automation and cheaper foreign product hollow out Hamilton's steel sector. He voiced a degree of understanding for Trump's efforts to shield US producers from external competition. "I'm not a Trump supporter, but one thing I like (about) what he said, he wants to do things in-house. And I don't think there's anything wrong with that," Lombardo, 69, told AFP. "We should have been doing this a long time ago." Hamilton's steel industry was born in the early part of the last century, hitting its peak in the decades following World War II, when the main local union, United Steelworkers Local 1005, counted more than 12,000 members. That number has since fallen to about 650, said union president Ron Wells. Wells said he wasn't opposed to a future where Canadian producers serve Canadian demand and cross-border trade is reduced. But, like Lombardo, he believes Ottawa needs to create the environment that ensures that Canadian steelmakers thrive. "We've been saying that for, like years, if not decades," Wells told AFP. 'Better late than never'? The union chief said he was encouraged by Prime Minister Mark Carney's pledge to counter Trump's trade war by boosting internal trade and ushering in an era of massive construction across Canada. Asked about the prospect that Hamilton could benefit from Carney's recent promise that his government would "build baby build," Wells said: "we applaud it." "It's better late than never." Carney on Wednesday called Trump's decision to double steel and aluminum tariffs "unjustified" and "illegal" and promised that Canada -- the largest supplier of foreign steel and aluminum to the United States -- will respond. But in the short term, Wells said there is cause for concern. Stelco, which was bought by the US steel producer Cleveland-Cliffs last year, had been sending about 30 percent of its output to the United States, Wells said. Those orders largely dried up when Trump imposed a blanket 25 percent tariff on all metal imports in March. But Stelco was still selling to Canadian clients who were making products subsequently sold to the United States, with the American importers absorbing the 25 percent tariff hit. 'The wrong foe' At 50 percent, Wells voiced fear that business could vanish. "People are just pissed off that (Trump) keeps changing his mind and he's playing chicken with the economy," Wells told AFP. "Our members want to see the tariffs situation get resolved. So go back to full production and we can share the wealth." The Canadian Steel Producers Association, an industry group, said Wednesday that "at a 25 per cent tariff rate, we saw significant layoffs, curtailed investments and a significant drop of shipments to the United States." "At a 50 per cent tariff rate, the US market is effectively closed to Canadian steel, leaving billions of dollars of Canadian steel without a market," it warned. Throughout Trump's trade war, Canadian workers in targeted sectors -- notably auto and metal -- have voiced frustration over the president's decision to harm a bilateral trade relationship widely seen as mutually beneficial. "We think they're picking on the wrong foe," Wells said. "Is he trying to get a new trade agreement?" He asked.
