Backtracking from its previous implementation of 50% tariffs, the Trump Administration has now exempted Canadian cement and salt.
According to Politico, “The carveouts caved to pressure from Republican lawmakers who have increasingly criticized the president’s trade war less than two months ahead of competitive races in November’s midterms. More than one GOP lawmaker contacted the U.S. trade representative directly in the days and weeks before Trump’s Tuesday tariff announcement to plead for concessions, according to two people close to the administration who were granted anonymity to discuss private deliberations.”
“Canadian cement has long helped support U.S. border markets, keeping North American supply chains resilient,” said Diane Tomb, American Cement Association (ACA) president and CEO. “A 50% Canadian tariff would have disrupted longstanding supply chains – especially at border locations where U.S.-produced cement could not otherwise meet demand. We appreciate that the Administration recognizes this and its willingness to engage on the topic.”
