Features

Canada slaps tariffs on Chinese steel, aluminum, EVs

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

Ethan Bernard is managing editor for Steel Market Update. He previously worked for American Metal Market as a copy editor in the New York office for two years, starting in 2008. Later, he copy edited AMM’s monthly magazine on a freelance basis from 2015 until 2017. With experience in financial copywriting and textbook publishing, he holds a BA in Comparative Literature from UC Berkeley, and an MFA. in Creative Writing from New York University. He can be reached at ethan@steelmarketupdate.com or 724-759-7871.