Canada: 25%→50% Steel & Aluminum Tariff Threat (Retracted) — Effective March 14 (in 3 days)

You know that moment when your favorite skillet suddenly costs more? That’s tariffs for you. On March 11, Trump threatened to double steel and aluminum duties on Canadian imports from 25% to 50%—then quietly backed off. Tariff Alert gives you the skinny on what really happened and which Amazon staples might feel the squeeze.

Announcement Details

On March 11, 2025, President Trump initially ordered a hike of U.S. tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum from 25% to 50%, citing Canada’s retaliatory measures under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act Reuters. Hours later, after Ontario Premier Doug Ford suspended a proposed 25% electricity surcharge, the White House retracted the doubling and confirmed that the original 25% rate would stand for all trading partners except no country would receive exemptions ReutersAP News.

Canadian Imports to Watch

In 2023, major U.S. imports from Canada totaled roughly $431 billion—key categories include:

1. Mineral fuels & oils: $131.9 billion
2. Machinery & transport equipment: $106 billion
3. Manufactured goods: $52 billion
4. Nuclear reactors & machinery: substantial share
5. Electrical equipment (motors, generators): part of the machinery total

E-Commerce-Relevant Product Impacts

• Stainless-Steel Cookware: U.S. retailers like Nordic Ware report 5–10% input–cost jumps on aluminum coils, likely translating to a 5–10% retail price bump on pans and bakeware Reuters.
• Power Tools & Hardware: Steel-dependent tools (drills, wrenches) could see 8% cost increases as manufacturers pass on the higher duty rates Reuters.
• Outdoor Furniture Frames: Aluminum frames for chairs and tables—popular on Amazon—may rise 6–9% due to raw-material surcharges Reuters.

Insights & Predictions

• Market Volatility: Financial markets swung sharply on the threat and retraction, underscoring how tariff uncertainty can ripple through equity prices Reuters.
• Retailer Responses: Major chains (e.g., Home Depot, Lowe’s) are negotiating with suppliers—some may absorb costs to avoid sticker shock, while niche brands could be dropped for price stability Reuters.
• Supply-Chain Shifts: Expect U.S. importers to diversify sources or stockpile inventory before March 14 to hedge against any future escalations Axios.

Tariffs: the ultimate roller coaster for your wallet. Keep an eye on those cookware and tool deals below—stock up before uncertainty strikes.