TORONTO, ON (JUNE 4, 2025) — Statement from Keanin Loomis, President and CEO of the Canadian Institute of Steel Construction in response to the doubling of the United States’ tariffs on steel products:
“President Trump’s actions to escalate his unnecessary trade war by doubling steel and aluminum tariffs to 50 per cent all but cuts off the Canada-US supply chain of steel products. Losing the American market will immediately harm steel fabricators, producers, and steel construction and manufacturing on both sides of the border. Tens of thousands of North American jobs are at stake over the weeks ahead if no action is taken.
Today, we are asking the Federal Government to support our sector with immediate relief specific to steel. While many sectors have been hit by tariffs and the negative spin-offs, Canada’s steel sector is being specifically targeted by the White House. We need action now to protect jobs while helping Canada’s steel businesses survive this attack. Long-term solutions are needed, but if large swathes of the industry cannot survive the latest broadside, future actions will be in vain.
Since the launch of remissions applications in April, no remissions have been granted for our sector. The full force of counter-tariffs continues to be applied; struggling businesses are paying to bring in products we do not manufacture domestically. Many of our members are being hurt by measures the federal government has introduced in response. A simple solution is available: provide immediate remissions for products that are not manufactured in Canada, like wide-flange steel beam. Without urgent action, our steel fabricators are going to be unable to complete ongoing projects. On forthcoming major projects in Canada, companies in other countries like China and Spain will be in a better position than Canadian steel fabricators to win bids.
This is all while steel dumping by bad actor countries like China persists, undermining the competitiveness of Canadian businesses. This is despite the tariffs on Chinese steel introduced last summer. In addition to responding to the United States, the Canadian Government must strengthen and elevate its efforts to protect the North American market from unfair and predatory trade practices.
We remain united with Canada’s steel sector and the thousands of Canadians employed by it. We are Strong as Steel.
We continue to urge the Government of Canada to respond with a measured, strategic approach that protects Canadian industry. It is vital that key industry stakeholders like the CISC be consulted and that the unique views of our members are heard.”
The CISC advises all members that 50 per cent tariffs came into effect on shipments to the United States at 12:01 AM ET on June 4, 2025. More details are available in the presidential proclamation. We will continue to keep members apprised of updated information as it becomes available.
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About the Canadian Institute of Steel Construction
Established in 1930, CISC is Canada’s voice for the steel construction industry, promoting dialogue, collaboration and commerce between industry stakeholders. Representing steel manufacturers, fabricators and constructors, engineers and architects, owners and developers, and educators and students, CISC promotes the use and benefits of steel in construction, adds value to the design and construction community and supports the needs of the membership and industry through technical expertise, knowledge transfer, research and development, industry codes and standards, certification, and advocacy.
Media Contact
Rita Rahmati
Director, Communications and Public Affairs
Rrahmati@cisc-icca.ca | 647-289-9774
