Canada Warns of Job Losses, Economic Damage from Potential US Tariffs on Steel, Aluminum
Ottawa, Canada - Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has stated that American jobs may be lost, disrupting US economic growth, if the United States implements tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum imports. During a press conference in Brussels, Trudeau emphasized Canada's readiness to impose reciprocal measures if necessary.
President Donald Trump is considering implementing tariffs on steel and aluminum, along with a comprehensive tariff on all Canadian imports. Similar tariffs imposed during Trump's previous term, Trudeau claims, resulted in the loss of 75,000 American jobs.
"We strongly emphasize the fact that the last time they implemented tariffs, the United States experienced substantial job losses...and that these measures will ultimately jeopardize US growth and prosperity," Trudeau remarked.
Trump maintains that the measures aim to bolster struggling US industries. Approximately half of all aluminum consumed in the United States is imported, primarily from Canada. With 3.2 million tons imported from Canada in 2024, it surpassed the combined imports from the following nine countries. Quebec contributes significantly to Canada's aluminum supply.
Premier Francois Legault proposed that Canada explore export tariffs on essential items such as aluminum. Minister of Finance Dominic LeBlanc confirmed in Washington, where he was negotiating with US officials, that Canada will not respond until the government's actions are determined.
"The Americans have stated to us both privately and publicly that we have several weeks to collaborate," he told reporters.