Canada responds to unjustified U.S. tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum products

March 12, 2025 - Ottawa, Ontario - Department of Finance Canada

Today, the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Finance and Intergovernmental Affairs, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, outlined the Government of Canada’s response to the 25 per cent tariffs the U.S. unjustifiably imposed on all Canadian steel and aluminum products earlier today.

Following a dollar-for-dollar approach, Canada is imposing, as of 12:01 am, March 13, 2025, 25 per cent reciprocal tariffs on a list of steel products worth $12.6 billion and aluminum products worth $3 billion, as well as additional imported U.S. goods worth $14.2 billion, for a total of $29.8 billion. The list of additional products affected by counter tariffs includes tools, computers and servers, display monitors, sport equipment, and cast-iron products.

These tariffs are in addition to Canada’s 25 per cent counter tariffs on $30 billion of imports from the U.S., in response to U.S. International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) tariffs put in place on March 4. Unless U.S. IEEPA tariffs and other unjustified U.S. tariff threats are addressed, Canada will apply counter tariffs on additional imports from the U.S. on April 2 following the public comment period. The scope could also be further increased if new tariffs are imposed, and all options remain on the table for responding to unjustified tariffs on Canada.

With regards to the imposition of tariffs on the steel and aluminum content in certain derivative products by the U.S., the government is currently assessing this aspect of the U.S. tariffs and may impose further counter tariffs in response.

The government is also taking steps to mitigate the impact of these countermeasures on Canadian workers and businesses, including by ensuring that its recently established remission process will consider requests for exceptional relief from these new tariffs.

On March 7, 2025, the Government of Canada announced measures to support Canadian workers and businesses during these difficult and uncertain times. These measures include the Trade Impact Program through Export Development Canada to help exporters reach new markets and help companies navigate the economic challenges, favourably priced loans through the Business Development Bank of Canada to support impacted businesses in sectors directly targeted by tariffs, as well as companies in their supply chains, and new financing through Farm Credit Canada to reduce financial barriers for the Canadian agriculture and food industry.

In addition, the government introduced temporary flexibilities to the EI Work-Sharing Program to increase access and maximum agreement duration. This program provides EI benefits to employees who agree with their employer to work reduced hours due to a decrease in business activity beyond their employer’s control.

While we urge the U.S. administration to reconsider their decision to impose tariffs, Canada will remain firm in standing up for our jobs, our industries, and our workers.

In the weeks and months ahead, additional measures will be brought forward to support businesses and workers as needed. The federal government will also continue to work closely with provinces and territories to ensure complementary supports are in place across all jurisdictions.