Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc on Wednesday announced an additional $29.8 billion in tariffs on steel and aluminum imported from the US.
The policy goes into effect at 12:01 a.m. Thursday.
LeBlanc said this batch of tariffs is in response to President Donald Trump’s announcement on Tuesday that he would impose 25% tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum.
“With these most recent tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum, the US administration is once again inserting disruption and disorder into an incredibly successful trading partnership,” said LeBlanc.
“We will not stand idly by while our iconic steel and aluminum industries are being unfairly targeted.”
“Today, I am announcing that the Government of Canada, following a dollar-for-dollar approach, will be imposing, as of 12:01 a.m. tomorrow, March 13, 2025, 25% reciprocal tariffs on an additional $29.8 billion of imports from the United States.”
“This includes steel products worth $12.6 billion and aluminum products worth $3 billion as well as additional imported US goods worth $14.2 billion, for a total of $29.8 billion.”
“The list of additional products affected by counter tariffs includes computers, sports equipment and cast iron products.”
“These tariffs are in addition to Canada's 25% counter tariffs on $30 billion of imports from the United States in response to US tariffs put in place on March 4.”
LeBlanc added his government “may impose, of course, further tariffs.”
A First Ministers' conference was held later on Wednesday.
“We had a very frank and healthy conversation around the table today about various approaches to dealing with the unjustifiable U.S. tariffs, and the critical importance of respecting provincial jurisdiction over provincial resources," said Alberta Premier Danielle Smith.
“I will continue to pursue a primarily diplomatic approach to dealing with U.S. and state officials, but will also continue to respond to any unjustified U.S. tariffs in a proportional and measured way that protects Albertans’ interests."
“It is clear that the American public opinion, industry and U.S. leaders are opposing a continued trade dispute with Canada more and more with each passing day. We therefore need to avoid escalation, play the long game and focus on getting to a mutually beneficial trade resolution with our American neighbours.”
Prime minister-designate Mark Carney commented on Ottawa's decision to amp up the tariff war against the US.
"This is not something Canada wants to do," Carney told reporters while touring a steel mill in Hamilton, ON.
"It's difficult for the industry, because of the unjustified tariffs that have been put on the government."
"I respect President Trump's concern for American workers and American families. We respect his concern about mental health. It's an issue for us here in Canada as well."
"We are ready to sit down with the US government. I'm ready to sit down with President Trump."
Carney added he would do that at "the appropriate time ... where there's respect for Canadian sovereignty and we're working for a common approach, a much more comprehensive approach for trade."
"You have new government, but the same commitment, and that commitment is built rock solid on the commitment you have all made."