Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau unveiled stringent new steel import measures on Wednesday during a visit to a Hamilton steel plant, implementing:

• 50% tariffs on steel imports exceeding quotas

• 25% surcharge on Chinese melted-and-poured steel products

• Full exemptions for US/Mexico under USMCA

Key Policy Components:

1. Domestic Preference Mandate

   • "We must prioritize Canadian steel in our infrastructure projects – these changes start today"

   • New quota system excludes US/Mexican imports

2. Anti-Dumping Measures

   • Special tariffs targeting Chinese steel circumvention

   • 2024 import levels set as baseline for non-FTA countries

3. Trade Defense Rationale

   • Addresses "spillover effects from US trade negotiations" including 50% US tariffs on Canadian steel

   • Protects historically open Canadian market from import surges

Industry Context:

• Follows June 2023 tariff-rate quota adjustments

• Canadian steelmakers criticize previous quotas as insufficient against foreign dumping

• Government pledges C$XXX million in workforce/production investments

Prime Minister's Statement:
"The trade landscape has changed. By limiting foreign steel, prioritizing Canadian product in major projects, and investing heavily in our workers, we're building a stronger Canada with Canadian steel." – @CanadianPM on X

Opposition Concerns:

• Steel producers argue measures don't go far enough

• Ongoing challenges competing with below-market priced imports