This roundup highlights significant developments reported by The Canadian Press, focusing on the effects of tariffs imposed by the U.S. and the subsequent impact on Canada and other regions.
Trump Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum Begin
U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade policy saw a new phase on March 12, 2025, as all countries, including Canada, were subjected to a 25 percent tariff on steel and aluminum imports into the United States. The executive order took effect at 12:01 a.m. ET, eliminating previous exemptions that had been in place since Trump’s 2018 tariffs.
These new tariffs were implemented shortly after the White House indicated that Trump would not carry out his Tuesday threat of doubling tariffs on Canadian exports, following Ontario’s agreement to suspend a 25 percent surcharge on electricity exports to the U.S. U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Ontario Premier Doug Ford discussed this arrangement, which led to a temporary easing of tensions over trade.
Trade War Impacts Unique American Community
Point Roberts, a small community in Washington State, finds itself uniquely affected by the trade war due to its geographical peculiarities. This enclave, located on the southern tip of the Tsawwassen peninsula in British Columbia, experiences heightened tension from the trade negotiations between Canada and the U.S. Residents are caught in a difficult position as they rely significantly on Canadian resources like water and electricity, complicating their relationship during these tumultuous trade discussions.
Increased Canadian National Pride Amid Tariffs
A new poll by Leger Marketing for the Association for Canadian Studies reveals a spike in Canadian national pride in response to the tariffs imposed by President Trump. The percentage of respondents expressing pride in being Canadian increased from 80 percent to 86 percent since November. Notably, pride is most pronounced among Canadians aged 55 and older, with 92 percent expressing strong national sentiment.
EU Retaliates Against U.S. Tariffs
The European Union announced retaliatory tariffs in response to the U.S. increase in steel and aluminum tariffs, which will cover goods from the U.S. valued at approximately 26 billion euros ($28 billion). The measures are expected to add strain to the already tense transatlantic relations, especially given recent U.S. statements urging Europe to take care of its security independently. Interestingly, the United Kingdom, now separate from the EU, chose not to impose its own retaliatory tariffs, expressing disappointment at the U.S. decision instead.
Concerns Over Cuts to U.S. Weather Services
Amidst the ongoing tumult in international trade, experts in Canada express concern about cuts to U.S. weather services, particularly the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Meteorologist Eddie Sheerr, who played a crucial role in crisis management during post-tropical storm Fiona in 2022, emphasized the vital role NOAA plays in tracking hurricanes and other severe weather systems that could directly impact Atlantic Canada. The sweeping cuts to NOAA could hinder this essential data and expertise, potentially affecting public safety.
Legacy of Pandemic-Driven Sales Surges
West Coast Seeds, a Delta, B.C.-based seed company, witnessed unprecedented sales growth during the COVID-19 pandemic as Canadians sought gardening as a leisure activity. President Aaron Saks noted a staggering increase in orders that required the company to streamline operations dramatically to fulfill demand. This included hiring many new staff and establishing temporary workspaces to manage the volume of orders effectively, highlighting the ongoing impact of pandemic behavior on consumer habits.
Anticipated Rate Cuts by the Bank of Canada
As economic uncertainty looms due to the ongoing trade disputes, the Bank of Canada is expected to announce a cut to the benchmark interest rate, potentially reducing it to 2.75 percent. This would represent the seventh consecutive rate cut amid concerns that the trade war is undermining consumer and business confidence, further complicating the monetary policy landscape as the bank balances the risks of inflation against potential economic contraction.
