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U.S. contemplates return of aluminum tariffs

The White House is considering a 10 percent tariff on Canadian aluminum entering the country according to Bloomberg reports. The tariffs would go into effect July 1 if Canada does not act to restrict exports to the U.S., which the administration says have “surged.” The U.S. imposed a 10 percent tariff on Canadian aluminum in May of 2018, attracting retaliatory tariffs from Ottawa on U.S. aluminum product imports including fenestration products. Those tariffs were lifted by both countries a year later.

CBC analysis says the tariffs will hurt American manufacturers more than anyone else and are likely motivated by Trump’s desire to appear to be protecting American jobs ahead of the November election. The timing of the move is also bizarre, as the new USMCA North American trade deal goes into effect July 1.