USW International calls for permanent tariff exemptions for Canadian steel, aluminum

United Steelworkers International, a union representing 850,000 US, Canadian, and Caribbean workers in the metals industry and other sectors, passed a resolution calling for the permanent exemption of US tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminum, and other products, the union said April 10.

The North American steel and aluminum sectors are tightly integrated, and Canada is the largest supplier to the US of both metals, according to the S&P Global Market Intelligence Global Trade Atlas data.

The March 12 implementation of US tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports led to Canadian retaliatory tariffs on the US. At a recent USW International convention, workers called US President Donald Trump's tariffs on Canada "reckless," and warned that escalating trade tensions threaten thousands of jobs in both nations.

"Steelworkers know who the real problem is -- and it's not each other," said David McCall, USW International president. "We're united in pushing back against unfair trade practices and we won't let any administration use tariffs to divide us."

Canadian steel mills have laid off workers due to an economic slowdown caused by the US tariffs. The US aluminum sector has also emphasized duty-free Canadian aluminum supply is vital for the health of its industry.

The union's new resolution calls for a permanent exemption from Section 232 tariffs against steel, aluminum, and other products from Canada.

Section 232 tariffs are named for the section of trade law that authorizes the executive use of duties on national security grounds. Trump's 25% tariffs on all aluminum and steel imports were implemented through this law.

The resolution also calls for a coordinated Canada -- US strategy to protect and grow North American union jobs. USW International said it will advocate in Washington, DC, and Ottawa for the resolution's goals.