Ottawa, Feb 12 (Reuters) - Prime Minister Justin Trudeau warned on Wednesday that if the United States imposes tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum, it would lead to job losses and hinder U.S. economic growth.
Trudeau, speaking in Brussels, stated that Canada would retaliate with countermeasures if necessary in response to possible tariffs by U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump is considering tariffs on steel, aluminum, as well as all imports from Canada.
During Trump's first term in 2018, tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum were imposed while negotiations for a trade deal with Mexico and Canada were underway. Trudeau stated that these measures resulted in 75,000 job losses in the U.S.
Highlighting the negative impact of tariffs, Trudeau emphasized, "We are pointing out the significant job losses in the United States from previous tariff implementations, which will ultimately impede growth and prosperity in the United States."
Contrarily, Trump asserts that these measures will benefit struggling U.S. industries.
Canada is a major supplier of aluminum to the U.S., with about half of the aluminum used being imported, predominantly from Canada. Canadian aluminum imports in 2024 reached 3.2 million tons last year, twice the combined amount from the next nine countries.
Most of Canada's aluminum supply originates from Quebec. Premier Francois Legault suggested that Canada should consider imposing export tariffs on key products like aluminum to assert its importance.
Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc, currently in Washington for discussions with U.S. officials, stated that Canada would wait to see the actions of the U.S. administration before responding. LeBlanc noted, "The Americans have indicated privately and publicly that we have several weeks to collaborate."