USW Opposes Trump's 25% Tariffs on Canadian Steel and Aluminum
The United Steelworkers union (USW) has fiercely condemned U.S. President Donald Trump's proposal to impose 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports, including those from Canada. This decision is seen as a direct threat to thousands of Canadian jobs, disrupting established supply chains and undermining decades of economic cooperation between Canada and the United States. USW National Director for Canada, Marty Warren, has stated that these tariffs will have a devastating impact on workers and communities, warning that history has shown these types of trade measures harm industries and create unnecessary economic instability.
The Canada-U.S. Economic Interdependence
Canada and the U.S. share a deeply integrated economy, particularly in the steel and aluminum sectors. Every year, $20 billion worth of steel is traded between the two nations. Canada imports 39% of its steel from the U.S. and exports 94% of its steel production to the U.S. U.S. manufacturers heavily depend on Canadian steel to run their operations. In addition, Canada is the largest supplier of aluminum to the U.S., with exports worth $15.9 billion in 2024. This trade supports thousands of jobs on both sides of the border, highlighting the intertwined nature of the two nations' industries.
The Threat of Tariffs and Lack of Exemption for Canada
Despite the recent reprieve granted to Canada, there is no clear sign that the country will be exempted from Trump’s new tariff plan. The USW is calling on the Canadian government to take immediate action to mitigate the effects of these tariffs. Marty Warren emphasized the need for counter-tariffs, support for workers and industries, and a firm commitment to using Canadian steel and aluminum in public infrastructure projects. Without safeguard measures in place, Canada could see an influx of cheap steel and aluminum from countries excluded from the U.S. market, further damaging domestic industries and Canadian jobs.
The Call for Immediate Action from the Canadian Government
“If these tariffs move forward, the government must be ready to hit back just as hard,” warned Warren. “The government can’t afford to ignore this any longer.” The USW has long advocated for domestic procurement policies that ensure Canadian taxpayer dollars support local jobs and industries. These policies have yet to be fully implemented, but the USW argues that this is a crucial step that cannot be delayed any further.
Historical Context: Similar Tariffs in 2018
Dave McCall, USW International President, pointed out that a similar situation unfolded in 2018 when tariffs were previously imposed on Canadian steel and aluminum. He emphasized that Canada is not the cause of the trade imbalance and that these tariffs will only hurt workers on both sides of the border. Instead of engaging in reckless trade wars, McCall called for policies that would strengthen manufacturing and protect good jobs in both countries.
The USW's Commitment to Defending Canadian Workers
The USW has vowed to continue advocating at all levels of government to ensure that Canadian workers are defended and that the steel and aluminum industries are protected from the impact of these tariffs. The union is focused on ensuring that the tariffs do not undermine the future of these critical sectors, which contribute significantly to Canada's economy.
