Trump promises 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports — including from Canada

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that the United States will be imposing 25 per cent tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports, including those from Canada and Mexico. In addition to these tariffs, Trump also mentioned that there will be other import duties announced later in the week.

During a press conference on Air Force One, Trump stated, “Any steel coming into the United States is going to have a 25 per cent tariff.” When asked about aluminum, he confirmed that aluminum imports will also be subject to the same trade penalties. Furthermore, Trump mentioned that he will be announcing “reciprocal tariffs” on Tuesday or Wednesday, which means that the U.S. will impose import duties on products from countries that have levied duties on U.S. goods.

The decision to impose these tariffs comes after Trump initially imposed steel and aluminum tariffs of 25 and 10 per cent, respectively, back in March 2018, citing national security concerns. Although Canada was initially exempt from these duties, it was eventually hit by the tariffs on May 31, 2018. In response, Canada implemented counter-tariffs on American products such as Florida orange juice.

After nearly a year of trade disputes, a deal was reached on May 17, 2019, to prevent “surges” in steel and aluminum supplies from Canada and Mexico. However, tensions rose again in the first weeks of Trump’s second term, with threats of imposing 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian and Mexican products due to border security issues surrounding fentanyl and illegal immigration.

On Feb. 3, both Canada and Mexico were granted reprieves of at least 30 days from the tariff threats after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum discussed their border plans with Trump. Canada’s plan includes $1.3 billion in spending on enhanced border security measures, including increased patrols with helicopters, and the appointment of a “fentanyl czar” to collaborate with U.S. authorities in addressing the opioid crisis.

The implications of these tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, as well as the potential for reciprocal tariffs, have significant implications for trade relations between the United States, Canada, and Mexico. It remains to be seen how these measures will impact the economies of the countries involved and whether negotiations can lead to a resolution that benefits all parties involved.