Canadians “will stand up strongly and firmly” to Trump’s steel and aluminium tariffs, Justin Trudeau has said.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Paris artificial intelligence summit, the Canadian prime minister said the “unacceptable” tariffs would have a negative impact.

As we have been reporting this morning, the president announced 25% tariffs on steel and aluminium imports “without exceptions or exemptions” from 4 March. 

Canada is the second-largest goods trader in the world after China and also accounted for more than 50% of aluminium imported into the US last year.

If the tariffs come into force, they are expected to have the most significant impact on Canada.

But Trump has argued that Canada sends more goods to the US than it imports – which is a trade deficit that has been an issue for Trump.

eU chief vows ‘countermeasures’ to tariffs

Ursula von der Leyen has added her voice to the criticism of Trump’s steel tariffs coming from Europe.

The president of the European Commission said she “deeply” regretted the decision and said the EU would act… 

I deeply regret the U.S. decision to impose tariffs on European steel and aluminum exports.

The EU will act to safeguard its economic interests.

We will protect our workers, businesses and consumers ↓

— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) February 11, 2025

Her comments follow similar statements from the European Commission and from the French industry minister.