- U.S. President Donald Trump repeatedly sets his sights on Canada, with actions including a trade war and threats of Canada becoming the 51st state.
- Two major unions, the United Steelworkers and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), urged U.S. President Donald Trump's trade official to reconsider the tariff regime against Canadian imports.
- The unions represent around 1.45 million workers in North America.
- The letter states that U.S.-Canada trade is more balanced compared to trade with Mexico, with aligned wage, labor, and environmental issues.
- The unions emphasize the need to align trade policies to combat unfair practices from countries like China.
- The unions have supported several of the administration’s trade actions while advocating for policies that strengthen economic and national security.
- The U.S. imported US$412 billion worth of goods from Canada in 2024, and US$382 billion in 2025.
- From January to May 2026, Canadian exports to the U.S. amounted to US$163 billion.
U.S. President Donald Trump has escalated his trade rhetoric against Canada, threatening tariffs that could disrupt a vital economic relationship. In response, two major unions, the United Steelworkers and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), have urged reconsideration of these tariffs, highlighting the need for cooperation over division.123
In a letter to Trump’s trade officials, union leaders noted that the U.S.-Canada trade relationship is “marked more by division than co-operation.” They argue that unlike the U.S.-Mexico trade dynamic, the U.S.-Canada relationship is more balanced, with aligned wage, labor, and environmental standards. The unions represent approximately 1.45 million workers across North America, emphasizing the potential impact of tariffs on their members.45
The unions' letter states, “Our priority must be to align our trade policies to address the challenges posed by unfair and predatory trade practices of countries like China, not to drive a further wedge between our nations.” They have previously supported some of the administration’s trade actions but are now advocating for a shift away from outdated free trade policies.6
Trade data underscores the significance of this relationship, with the U.S. importing US$412 billion worth of goods from Canada in 2024, and US$382 billion in 2025. From January to May 2026, Canadian exports to the U.S. reached US$163 billion, highlighting the economic interdependence that could be jeopardized by escalating trade tensions.91011
“The United Steelworkers and IAM represent around 1.45 million workers in North America and emphasize the need to align trade policies to combat unfair practices from countries like China. In 2024, the U.S. imported US$412 billion worth of goods from Canada, highlighting the significance of the trade relationship.”
