July 16, 2025
RED FM News Desk
Hamilton, ON – Prime Minister Mark Carney is in Hamilton today for a visit focused on Canada’s embattled steel sector, as trade tensions with the United States continue to escalate.
Carney is expected to tour a local steel facility and speak directly with workers, as part of an announcement tied to the industry’s future.
The visit comes just weeks after U.S. President Donald Trump doubled tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum imports — raising them from 25% to 50% — dealing a significant blow to Canadian producers.
Ahead of a virtual cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Carney told reporters that he remains skeptical Trump will sign any new trade deal that doesn’t involve tariffs. “It’s clear he views them as leverage,” Carney said.
Negotiations between Canada and the U.S. over a new economic and security agreement have been underway since early May. Last week, Trump pushed back the deadline to finalize the deal from July 21 to August 1.
In a letter dated July 10, the White House warned that if no agreement is reached by that new deadline, Canada could face additional 35% tariffs on select imports — specifically those not covered under the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).
Carney acknowledged that talks are expected to ramp up significantly in the coming weeks, with Canadian officials aiming to avoid further economic strain on key sectors like steel.
The prime minister’s stop in Hamilton underscores the government’s efforts to reassure workers and businesses impacted by the growing trade uncertainty.
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