Ottawa, Canada – Canada has officially taken steps to challenge the United States’ import duties on Canadian steel and aluminum by requesting consultations with the World Trade Organization (WTO). According to a statement from the trade organization, the request was circulated to WTO members on Thursday.
Canada argues that the US measures, which ended its previous exemption and increased duties, violate US commitments under the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) 1994. The move follows Washington’s decision to reimpose tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, a decision Canada strongly opposes.
Mary Ng, Canada’s Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade, and Economic Development, stated on Wednesday that the country is seeking formal consultations with the US regarding the tariffs. “Canada is deeply disappointed that the US has chosen to reimpose these unjustified tariffs that hurt workers and businesses on both sides of the border,” she said. “These unilateral tariffs violate the United States’ obligations under both the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) and the WTO Agreement.”
Francois-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry, also emphasized the significance of Canadian steel and aluminum to North America’s critical infrastructure and manufacturing sectors. He highlighted their role in supporting key US industries such as defense, shipbuilding, and automotive. Champagne further stated that he had directed Industry Canada to prioritize funding projects that predominantly use Canadian steel and aluminum.
In response to the US tariffs, Canada announced on Wednesday its own set of reciprocal tariffs on US steel and aluminum imports, valued at 29.8 billion Canadian dollars ($20.7 billion). This move follows US President Donald Trump’s decision to impose a 25 per cent tariff on all steel and aluminum imports from Canada, which took effect the same day.
On February 10, Trump signed proclamations raising aluminum tariffs from 10 per cent to 25 per cent, bringing them in line with steel tariffs. Additionally, he eliminated duty-free quotas, exemptions, and exclusions for steel and aluminum tariffs, with these measures set to be implemented by March 12.
Further escalating tensions, on March 11, Trump announced plans to double tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum imports to 50 per cent in response to Ontario’s tariffs on electricity exports affecting three US states. However, the plan was reversed later that day after Ontario rescinded its electricity export tariffs.
As the dispute unfolds, Canada remains committed to defending its industry and workers through both retaliatory measures and formal trade dispute channels. The outcome of the WTO consultations may shape the future of North American trade relations in the steel and aluminum sectors.
