Two major US labor unions, the United Steelworkers (USW) and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), have sent a letter to US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, urging the Trump administration to reconsider its tariff regime against Canadian imports. The letter, dated July 30, 2026, was confirmed by union spokespeople.
The unions argue that the tariffs, which were imposed under Section 232 on national security grounds, are harming American workers and manufacturers by increasing costs for steel and aluminum inputs. They also warn that the tariffs strain the bilateral trade relationship with Canada, a key ally and partner in the USMCA trade agreement.
According to the letter, the unions propose a collaborative approach to address trade imbalances without disrupting integrated supply chains. They emphasize that many US factories rely on Canadian steel and aluminum, and that tariffs could lead to job losses in the US.
The White House and the Office of the US Trade Representative have not yet responded publicly to the letter. The Trump administration has previously defended the tariffs as necessary to protect domestic industries.
