Okay babes, grab your oat milk lattes and buckle up, because things just got wild. So, like, Donald Trump just went full drama king and doubled tariffs on imported aluminium and steel to a ridiculous 50%. And guess who’s totally getting burned? Yep — Canada. The polite, resource-rich US neighbor to the north is officially not okay right now.
This economic tea is piping hot.
Trump’s Trade Tantrum came, when he recently stood on stage in Michigan like, “We’re saving American jobs!” and then signed an executive order that slapped a 50% tariff on all aluminium and steel coming into the U.S. starting June 4. And not even Canada got a pass, which is like, seriously rude because Canada is literally the U.S.’s top aluminium bestie.
So obviously, Canada – offended and ready to clap back – is so not amused. Prime Minister Mark Carney was like, “This is illegal and totally messed up,” which is, like, diplomacy speak for “Are you freaking kidding me?”
“We’re in negotiations, but if this continues, we’re not afraid to respond,” Carney told reporters. Translation: Don’t try us, sweetie.
And honestly? Canada’s done this dance before. In 2018, they were slapped with tariffs and retaliated with tariffs on ketchup, bourbon, and yachts. So like, Canada — they might be nice, but they’ve got receipts and retaliation lists.
And the aluminium industry is losing it. Canada is, like, super good at making aluminium. It’s clean, hydro-powered, and mostly from Quebec, where we’re talking about like 30,000+ Canadian babes who work in smelters, factories, and high-vis jackets.
“This is devastating,” said Jean Simard from the Aluminium Association of Canada. “We’re not just losing money — we’re losing future deals and stability.” Ugh. Tragic.
Canadian manufacturers are already stressing about costs going through the roof. Like, how are you supposed to plan a year ahead when your biggest trading partner just went full chaos?
And it’s not just Canadian metalheads, babe. American auto and aerospace industries are also freaking out. They rely on cheap, clean Canadian aluminium to make cars, planes, and soda cans. If they have to pay 50% more? Expect prices to spike on literally everything.
“This affects everyone — from engineers to grocery shoppers,” said trade expert Sarah Goldfeder.
Meanwhile, exports to the U.S. dropped 10.8% in April, and it’s only getting worse.
Financial Forecast: Cloudy with a 100% chance of drama and the Bank of Canada is trying to keep things chill, holding interest rates at 2.75%. Central bankers are warning that if this goes on, we could see lower growth, weird inflation, and even a rate cut.
Which is, like, super not the vibe when Canada’s already trying to bounce back from a sluggish spring.
“We’re not in panic mode yet,” said Governor Tiff Macklem, “but we’re already on our second espresso shot.”
But Canada might go “Full Savage”. Remember 2018? When Trump did something similar and Canada came back swinging with tariffs on U.S. Well, they’re prepping that playlist again.
Unifor, Canada’s big-deal union, is like, “Do not let Trump walk all over us!” and honestly, that’s the kind of energy we love.
“If he wants a trade war, we’ve got the heels and the hustle,” said union leader Lana Payne (okay, not literally, but close enough).
But this 50% tariff drama is giving hot mess. Trump’s out here playing tough guy, but both countries are going to feel the burn. Canada’s aluminium workers are anxious, U.S. manufacturers are annoyed, and international trade is officially on the rocks — again.
So what happens now? Negotiations are happening as we speak. But if things don’t calm down soon, expect Canada to grab their stilettos, line their retaliation list with glitter, and fight back.
Because when it comes to international trade, don’t underestimate a country that runs on maple syrup and sheer determination.
XOXO,
Valley Girl News
