Trump’s tariffs priority for Canada’s ambassador in economic talks with U.S., pushing to eliminate aluminum and steel trade barriers.
Trump’s tariffs priority is now central to Canada’s agenda in ongoing economic talks with the United States.
Canada’s ambassador to the U.S., Kirsten Hillman, has emphasized that removing the Trump-era tariffs on aluminum and steel is essential for fair trade.
The 10 percent tariffs were imposed by former President Donald Trump in 2018 under Section 232 of U.S. trade law.
The tariffs were justified on national security grounds but drew criticism from allies, including Canada, which called them unnecessary and harmful.
Although some exemptions were later granted and adjustments made, parts of the tariffs remain in place.
Hillman stressed that lifting these measures would benefit workers and industries in both countries.
She made these remarks ahead of a key meeting of the Canada-U.S. Joint Economic Committee.
According to the ambassador, while Canada values its economic partnership with the U.S., outdated and unfair tariffs must not be ignored.
She noted that Canada has acted in good faith by lifting its own retaliatory tariffs and expects the U.S. to reciprocate.
Canadian businesses, especially in the manufacturing and metals sectors, have long voiced concerns over the financial burden these tariffs create.
The added costs have affected pricing, supply chains, and international competitiveness.
Officials in Ottawa say the continuation of the tariffs contradicts the spirit of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which was designed to promote open and balanced trade in North America.
Hillman also warned that failure to address this issue could damage broader economic cooperation.
She urged U.S. lawmakers and trade officials to treat the removal of these barriers as a matter of urgency.
As Trump’s tariffs priority continues to dominate Canada’s trade dialogue, both governments face growing pressure to resolve the long-standing dispute and move toward a more cooperative economic future.
