President Donald Trump discusses steel tariffs in Washington, D.C.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. president Donald Trump is in Washington today, meeting with his cabinet as discussion unfolds over impending steel and aluminum import tariffs.
CBS News reports that President Trump says his tariff plan will be “fair” and “flexible” to friendly countries including Canada and Mexico amid ongoing NAFTA negotiations. Trump says most likely the two countries will not be charged the tariffs of 10 per cent and 25 per cent on steel and aluminium respectively. This comes amid protest from his party – 100 republicans have signed a letter urging him to reconsider his stance on the proposed tariffs – and other opposition from political leaders around the world.
Trump faces objection from within his party over the proposed tariff’s.
Trump vows the tariffs are being put in place to protect the American worker as he promised in his 2016 presidential campaign. The president says steel and aluminum are the backbone of the United States.
Al Jazeera reports, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has told Trump the imposed tariffs would hinder NAFTA renegotiations between Canada and the U.S. Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland says the tariffs are unacceptable and Canada will take appropriate measures to defend workers and industries if needed.
NAFTA negotiations continue between Canada, Mexico and the U.S. as the seventh round of negotiations are underway in Mexico City.
