Canada and the United States have reached an agreement to lift steel and aluminium tariffs.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau described it as a “good day” for steel and aluminium workers across Canada.
Trudeau said it followed “a lot of steady talks” with their U.S. counterparts and President Donald Trump.
“An understanding, as well, that these tariffs were harming workers and consumers on both sides of the border,” said Trudeau.
The U.S. imposed tariffs of between 10 and 25 per cent last June — and Canada quickly retaliated with its own.
Great news today that the United States will lift tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum and Canada will end our retaliation. A win-win for Canada and the US. pic.twitter.com/3BCpZ5QWri
— Chrystia Freeland (@cafreeland) May 17, 2019
In addition to harming workers and consumers, Trudeau said the tariffs also represented significant barriers to moving forward with the new NAFTA deal.
“Now that we’ve had a full lift on the tariffs, we are going to work with the United States on timing for ratification,” he said, “but we’re very optimistic we’re going to be able to move forward well in the coming weeks.”
