Canada–U.S. trade tensions deepen as major American unions urge review of proposed tariffs

Two of the largest private-sector labour unions in the United States are calling for a return to stable and balanced trade relations with Canada amid ongoing trade tensions between Ottawa and Washington. The United Steelworkers (USW) and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) have opposed proposed new U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods.

According to a joint letter sent to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, the unions urged the White House to reconsider the proposed tariffs, arguing that Canada and the United States have long shared one of the world's closest economic partnerships. They said both countries should strengthen cooperation rather than impose new trade barriers.

The letter is notable because the United Steelworkers has publicly supported several of President Donald Trump's trade policies in the past. USW International represents approximately 850,000 workers across Canada and the United States.

The appeal comes as the Trump administration plans to impose a proposed 50 per cent tariff on selected Canadian products, including beer, plywood and hockey sticks, beginning Aug. 19.

The unions said the United States should work alongside Canada to address what they described as unfair trade practices by countries such as China, rather than imposing tariffs on one of its closest allies.