Trump’s steel tariffs likely here for ‘long term:’ Canadian industry group

A Canadian industry representative expressed concern that U.S. President Donald Trump's steel tariffs might remain in place for an extended period. John Cuddihy, a vice president with the Canadian Steel Producers Association, stated during a Senate foreign affairs committee meeting that the current situation favors American steel interests, making it difficult for the U.S. to remove the tariffs.

He added that the outlook suggests tariffs could be "in play for the long term." Cuddihy did not elaborate on the implications of Cleveland-Cliffs' decision to lay off 350 employees at Stelco's Hamilton plant. The U.S. steelmaker's CEO, Lourenco Goncalves, defended the move, asserting that there is no market for the company's galvanized steel in Canada and that they need to export it to the United States.

Goncalves denied accepting money from Trump and insisted that his support and donations to the President were not a factor in the decision. Cleveland-Cliffs has agreed to take over Stelco in 2024, but the deal hinges on maintaining the number of union and non-union employees, as required by Industry Minister Mélanie Joly.