US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has defended President Donald Trump’s 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum, stating that domestic production must be strengthened before negotiations with Canada can begin. Lutnick plans to meet with Ontario Premier Doug Ford to “lower the temperature” between the two countries, but will wait for a new Canadian prime minister to be installed.
Lutnick emphasized the importance of US-made products like steel, aluminum, semiconductors, and pharmaceuticals for national security reasons, citing concerns over relying on foreign supplies during wartime. He confirmed that copper imports will also face tariffs under Trump’s plan.
Trump ordered Lutnick to investigate copper imports in late February, using the same Section 232 law as the existing steel and aluminum duties.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/markets/us/us-commerce-chief-says-nothing-will-stop-metals-tariffs-will-add-copper-2025-03-12