Newly imposed 25 percent tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum prompted a swift response this week. On Wednesday, Canada announced nearly $30 billion in retaliatory tariffs. U.S. President Donald Trump initially threatened Canada with 50 percent tariffs on steel and aluminum, however he pulled back when Ontario Premier Doug Ford threatened to impose a 25 percent surcharge on electricity exports to some U.S. states.
“These tariffs are nothing less than a potential industry killer,” said Marty Warren, United Steelworkers national director for Canada. “It’s an economic attack on workers and our economic sovereignty. Trump’s protectionist charade is not about helping American workers but about using them as political pawns while jeopardizing jobs on both sides of the border. Canadian steel and aluminum workers will not be intimidated. We are ready to fight back and we will.”
