Features

Canada slaps tariffs on Chinese steel, aluminum, EVs
Written by Ethan Bernard
August 27, 2024
Canada has announced a 25% tariff on Chinese steel and aluminum, along with a 100% tariff on Chinese-made EVs.
“Canadian workers and critical sectors, including steel and aluminum … are facing an intentional, state-directed policy of overcapacity, undermining the Canada’s ability to compete in domestic and global markets,” Chrystia Freeland, deputy prime minister and minister of finance, said in a statement on Monday.
She noted this was why the government was moving forward to “level the playing field, protect Canadian workers, and match measures taken by key trading partners.”
As previously reported, Canada’s steel and aluminum industries had called for tariff alignment with the US.
Steel, aluminum tariffs
Canada’s federal government intends to apply 25% tariffs on imports of steel and aluminum products from China, effective Oct, 15, 2024, according to the statement.
An initial list of goods was released Monday for public comment, and can be found here. The final list of goods subject to the surtaxes will be announced by Oct. 1.
EV tariff
The 100% tariff on all Chinese-made EVs will be effective Oct. 1. This includes electric and certain hybrid passenger automobiles, trucks, buses, and delivery vans.
CSPA lauds move
The Canadian Steel Producers Association (CSPA) cheered the move by the government.
“Our industries strongly support and welcome today’s announcement by the Government of Canada that recognizes the strategic importance of steel and aluminum to Canada’s economic security interests,” Catherine Cobden, president and CEO of the CSPA, said on Monday.
She made the remarks in a joint statement with Jean Simard, president and CEO of the Aluminum Association of Canada.
“Moving towards the implementation of these measures, our sectors will continue to work closely with the government and all political parties to ensure the details of these measures protect Canada’s trade and economic interests,” the statement continued.
Editor’s note: This is an update of a previous article.

Ethan Bernard
Read more from Ethan BernardLatest in Features

Final Thoughts: Survey says edition
It's can-kicking at its finest. And it’s been drawn out! Some are getting so good at it, they’re kicking cans and taking names.

Final Thoughts
We just wrapped up another Steel 101 workshop, easily the most hands-on industry workshop on steelmaking and market fundamentals.

Leibowitz: Renewed trade war with China over rare earths
On Oct.10, President Trump announced major increases in tariffs on Chinese goods. The trigger was a new regime of export controls on rare earth metals and products using those elements, including magnets, capital equipment, and catalysts for catalytic converters in cars and trucks.

CRU: Soft demand weighs on sheet imports into the US
US domestic sheet prices have remained rangebound in recent weeks as supply tightness met weak demand. Demand for steel produced in the US increased among some Mexican industrial buyers....

SMU flat-rolled market survey results now available
SMU’s latest steel buyers market survey results are now available on our website to all premium members.