Canadian steel and aluminum producers urged the federal government to align with the US and Mexico in implementing tariffs on Chinese aluminum and steel to prevent dumping. Catherine Cobden, president of the Canadian Steel Producers Association, emphasized the importance of Canada taking action alongside its CUSMA partners to protect the domestic market.

The call to action follows the US's decision in May to increase tariffs on Chinese steel and aluminum by 25%. Mexico also announced additional tariffs in July to prevent circumvention of these trade measures.

Concerns are growing that Canada could become a backdoor for Chinese steel and aluminum if it does not act. The 30-day consultation period on potential Canadian tariffs ended on August 1, but no formal decision has been made. Cobden warned that failing to act could jeopardize jobs and strain North American trade relations, stressing the need for immediate government action to protect Canada's steel and aluminum industries.