USW and IAM Unions Target Proposed 50% Tariffs on Canadian Goods

Union Leaders Urge Reconsideration of Canadian Tariffs

The heads of two major international unions—the United Steelworkers (USW) and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM)—have sent a joint letter to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, urging the Trump administration to reconsider its plan to impose 50% tariffs on a range of Canadian goods. The proposed tariffs, signed into action by President Donald Trump on July 20, 2026, are scheduled to take effect on August 19, 2026.

Focusing on Trade Alignment and Supply Chains

In their letter, USW International President Roxanne Brown and IAM International President Brian Bryant emphasized that the trade relationship between the two countries has recently been “marked more by division than co-operation.” The union leaders argued that instead of driving a wedge between the nations, the U.S. should focus on aligning trade policies to address unfair practices from other countries, such as China. They further noted that unlike previous measures, these new tariffs would not provide exemptions for goods compliant under the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).

Impact on North American Manufacturing Security

Representing approximately 1.45 million workers across North America, the two union leaders stated that Canada is a “trusted and valuable partner” and warned that the tariffs undermine efforts to strengthen national and economic security. The unions highlighted the deeply integrated nature of the North American manufacturing supply chain, where materials and components often cross the border multiple times before becoming finished products.