White House Official: US 25% Steel Tariffs Could Be Added to Existing Canadian Levies

WASHINGTON, Feb 11 (Reuters) - A White House official disclosed on Tuesday that the U.S. plans to apply a 50% tariff on all steel and aluminum imports from Canada, in addition to existing tariffs on Canadian goods.

According to a government source who spoke to Reuters, Canada has not been formally informed about the cumulative tariff increase, with the source acknowledging that it seems plausible.

Earlier this month, President Trump instated 25% tariffs on steel imports; however, these tariffs were put on hold for 30 days last week.

On Monday, President Trump signed proclamations boosting the U.S. tariff rate on aluminum from 10% to 25%, eliminating country exemptions, quota agreements, and hundreds of thousands of product-specific tariff exclusions for both metals. The changes are set to take effect on March 12.

Canada strongly opposed the measure, with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau denouncing it as "unacceptable."

The Canadian Press reported, citing a senior government official, that Trudeau discussed the implications of the steel tariffs with U.S. Vice President JD Vance in relation to Ohio, a state Vance formerly represented in the U.S. Senate.