TORONTO — Canada’s steel and aluminium associations have both released statements denouncing U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to implement a 25 per cent additional tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico, with a 10 per cent tariff on Canadian energy resources.
“Canada and the United States share one of the closest trading relationships in the world, to the benefit of both our countries,” said Keanin Loomis, president and CEO of the Canadian Institute of Steel Construction (CISC). “Our steel industries are closely intertwined with fabricators and manufacturers relying on trade between our two countries to deliver vital products and services. These tariffs, and potential retaliatory tariffs on these products, will hurt both economies and disrupt our integrated supply chains.”
In anticipation of this move, the CISC intends to continue to advocate for fair trade policies and is also recommending financial supports for workers and businesses in the sectors most heavily impacted.
The Aluminium Association of Canada also stated they were ready for the news.
“This situation will unfortunately impact workers and consumers in America with the immediate increase on the price of aluminium,” said Jean Simard, president and CEO of the association.
“Our 9,500 Canadian aluminium workers produce the metal that is processed, transformed and fabricated into parts, components, and everyday products by more than 500,000 well-paid American manufacturing workers, generating more than $200 billion in economic output in the U.S. economy alone. Our economies are integrated because it makes sense, because it benefits workers, consumers, and communities on both sides of the border.”
The association intends to reach out to stakeholders in the U.S. “whose daily livelihood thrives on the use of our metal” and also highlighted the real threat doesn’t stem from Canada.
“Going forward the focus for our industry and our countries must be set on addressing the devastating impacts of unfair Chinese trading practices stemming from massive state subsidies on the entire aluminium ecosystem.”
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