Trump news on tariffs today is pushing Canada to act. Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that Canada will revise its counter-tariffs on U.S. steel and aluminum imports starting July 21. These changes will reflect the state of ongoing trade talks with Washington.
That date matches the 30-day timeline agreed upon during Carney’s G7 meeting with President Trump. Though the final tariff levels remain unspecified, Ottawa emphasized that adjustments will follow the pace of diplomatic progress.
Alongside tariff changes, Canada will also revise federal procurement policies by June 30 to favour Canadian businesses and trusted trading partners. Retroactive tariff quotas will apply to steel imports from non-free trade nations, capped at 2024 levels.
Additional trade protections are expected to be implemented in the coming weeks. Two task forces—one for steel and one for aluminium—will guide policy and help monitor market impacts.
Earlier this month, President Trump raised existing tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum from 25 to 50 per cent.
The U.S. said the goal is to defend American jobs from global overproduction and unfair trade.
The Canadian steel industry has already felt the blow. Catherine Cobden, CEO of the Canadian Steel Producers Association, warned that these tariffs effectively block access to the U.S. market. Billions in Canadian steel have no destination, she said.
In response, Ontario Premier Doug Ford urged Ottawa to mirror the U.S. hike by raising Canadian counter-tariffs another 25 per cent.
Industry Minister Melanie Joly said the federal government is preparing a firm yet deliberate plan.
Meanwhile, steel markets are shifting. Keanin Loomis, head of the Canadian Institute of Steel Construction, said heavily subsidized Asian steel is now flowing into Canada. This redirection follows U.S. import restrictions.
He added that aligning Canada’s trade policies more closely with the U.S. is key to protecting domestic industry. Loomis said the Canadian sector is vulnerable without stronger safeguards.
According to Ottawa, the new measures will target long-standing global steel overcapacity. Officials expect to release more details later this month.
