Quebec Premier Legault urges Canada to consider aluminum export tax against US

Quebec Premier Francois Legault has proposed that Canada consider implementing export taxes on aluminum as a potential leverage in negotiations with the Trump administration, particularly if the U.S. follows through on its threatened tariffs. Legault emphasized that retaliatory measures should only be taken if tariffs are actually imposed, as they could significantly increase costs for U.S. manufacturers reliant on Canadian aluminum. The proposed taxes could particularly impact the U.S. construction and manufacturing sectors, given that Canada supplies over half of U.S. aluminum imports. Recently, Trump signed an executive order imposing a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports from all sources, which Legault highlighted as a catalyst for Canada to respond. This situation is critical since most Canadian aluminum production comes from Quebec, making it a key player in the U.S. supply chain. The ongoing trade tensions may reshape the dynamics of U.S.-Canada trade relations, particularly in the aluminum sector.