Trump Doubles Tariffs to 50% on Canadian Aluminum and Steel, Seeks Reciprocity

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed the media on March 11, 2025, to defend President Donald Trump's tariff policies and to criticize Canada for what she described as decades of unfair trade practices against the United States. Leavitt emphasized that Trump's tariff strategy is aimed at achieving reciprocity and protecting American businesses and workers. Leavitt highlighted that the American steel and aluminum industries have supported these tariffs, believing they will foster growth within the U.S. She presented a chart during the briefing to illustrate the high tariffs imposed by Canada, India, and Japan on U.S. goods, arguing that these rates are 'egregious'. She also mentioned that the manufacturing sector had gained 10,000 new jobs in the last month. In response to recent stock market fluctuations and concerns over the economy, Leavitt stated that the U.S. is in a period of economic transition, moving away from what she described as the economic disaster left by the previous administration. Leavitt's comments come as President Trump announced plans to double tariffs on Canadian aluminum and steel to 50%, effective from the following day. This move is part of an ongoing trade war with Canada, with Trump suggesting that annexation might be the only solution for Canada to avoid these tariffs.