The Canadian government has announced strong countermeasures in response to the 25 per cent tariffs the United States imposed on all Canadian steel and aluminum products on Wednesday, March 12, 2025.
Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Finance and Intergovernmental Affairs, Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, outlined Canada’s response, which includes dollar-for-dollar tariffs aimed at mitigating the economic impact.
As of 12:01 a.m. on March 13, 2025, Canada will impose 25 per cent reciprocal tariffs on steel products worth $12.6 billion and aluminum products worth $3-billion. Additional imported U.S. goods worth $14.2-billion will also be subject to tariffs, bringing the total countermeasures to $29.8-billion. The list of affected products includes tools, computers and servers, display monitors, sports equipment, and cast-iron products.
“These unjustified tariffs will raise prices for everyone and threaten jobs on both sides of the border,” said Minister Joly, in a media release.
“Canada is united as we continue to fight to remove these harmful tariffs. By working together, Canada and the U.S. have overcome many challenges in the past and the sooner these needless tariffs are lifted, we can get back to working together to create jobs and improve the lives of workers on both sides of the border.”
The newly announced tariffs are in addition to Canada’s existing 25 per cent counter tariffs on $30 billion of U.S. imports, which were imposed in response to the U.S. International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) tariffs implemented on March 4. Canada has made it clear that if the U.S. does not reconsider these measures, further tariffs will be applied on April 2 following a public comment period. The government has also stated that all options remain on the table should new tariffs be introduced.
“With these tariffs, the U.S. administration is needlessly disrupting an incredibly successful trading partnership,” added Minister LeBlanc.
“It is a completely unwarranted and unjustified move that will raise costs for Americans and Canadians alike. While we actively work to remove these tariffs, our government will use every tool at its disposal to defend Canadian jobs and support our businesses and workers during these challenging times.”
The Canadian government is assessing the U.S. decision to impose tariffs on the steel and aluminum content of certain derivative products and may implement further countermeasures in response. Meanwhile, efforts are being made to mitigate the impact on Canadian workers and businesses. A remission process has been established to consider requests for exceptional relief from these tariffs.
To support affected businesses and workers, the government has launched several initiatives. The Trade Impact Program through Export Development Canada aims to help exporters explore new markets, while the Business Development Bank of Canada will offer favourably priced loans to impacted companies. Additional financing through Farm Credit Canada will provide relief to the agriculture and food industry. The government has also introduced temporary flexibilities to the EI Work-Sharing Program, allowing greater access and extended duration to help employees whose working hours have been reduced due to the economic impact of the tariffs.
“Canadian steel and aluminum are essential for the manufacturing industry and crucial for North America’s energy future, economic security, and national security,” said Minister Champagne, in a media release.
“Imposing tariffs brings consequences that will impact both sides of the border, raising costs for Americans and Canadians alike. Canadian steel and aluminum support vital U.S. industries, from defense and shipbuilding to automotive. We will continue to stand strong for Canada, our workers, and our industries, and fight to protect our shared interests.”
As Canada continues to urge the U.S. administration to reconsider its decision, the federal government is committed to standing firm in protecting Canadian jobs and industries.
Additional measures to support businesses and workers will be introduced as necessary in the coming weeks and months.
The government is also working closely with provincial and territorial partners to ensure complementary support systems are in place across the country.
