Trump's proposed 50 percent tariffs on Canada face opposition from major US unions

The leaders of two of the largest labour unions in the United States have urged President Donald Trump's administration to reconsider proposed 50 percent tariffs on Canadian goods, warning the measures could harm both countries.

The new tariffs are due to take effect on 19 August and, unlike many of Trump's previous trade measures, would not exempt goods that comply with the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).

According to The Canadian Press, the presidents of the United Steelworkers and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers made the appeal in a joint letter to US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.

The union leaders said trade policies should not deepen divisions between the neighbouring countries and urged the administration to pursue a different approach to resolving trade disputes.

They also said they are willing to work with Greer on a path that focuses on easing trade tensions rather than imposing new tariffs.

According to the letter, the proposed measures would undermine efforts to strengthen economic and national security cooperation between the two countries.

The union leaders also described Canada as a trusted and valuable partner, arguing that closer collaboration would better serve workers and industries on both sides of the border.