U-S President Donald Trump has signed an executive order slapping 25 per cent tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports into the United States, including Canadian products. The levies go into effect in March — near the deadline given to Canada to convince Trump to halt his plan for across-the-board duties. After signing the order, Trump said the action was based on a potential national security risk. The written orders say the changes will take effect on March 12th.
Many Canadian politicians and business groups didn’t react well to the news of Donald Trump’s 25 per cent tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports. British Columbia Premier David Eby says Trump’s tariffs mean Americans will be “taxing themselves.” Liberal leadership candidate Chrystia Freeland says the decision is “illegal and unjustifiable.” Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe suggested a response of targeted counter-tariffs from Canada can be effective but that broad-based retaliatory measures would be harmful.
