QSA's Week in Beaver & Eagle (#7, 2025)
Steel tariffs reinstated; Canada listed transnational criminal organizations; Canada gears up for HANNOVER MESSE; Minister Champagne discusses tariffs; U.S. investigates trade practices.

Start Date: 2025-02-15
End Date: 2025-02-21
Top Headlines
Main Stories
Trump Reinstates Steel and Aluminum Tariffs on Canada
President Trump has reinstated a 25% tariff on steel and increased aluminum tariffs from 10% to 25% from Canada and other countries to address national security concerns. The decision, effective March 12, 2025, ends previous exemptions and aims to boost domestic production.
Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov, U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov
Minister Champagne Addresses Canada-U.S. Trade Relations
Minister François-Philippe Champagne participated in a panel in Shawinigan to discuss Canada-U.S. relations, focusing on tariff threats and the need for innovation and adaptation to maintain competitive trade dynamics.
Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca
U.S. Announces Plan to Address Trade Deficit
The U.S. introduces the 'Fair and Reciprocal Plan' to tackle non-reciprocal trade practices and persistent trade deficits. The plan includes reciprocal tariffs and measures against unfair practices, aiming to benefit U.S. workers and industries.
Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov
Canada Lists Transnational Criminal Organizations as Terrorist Entities
Canada has designated seven transnational criminal organizations, including major cartels, as terrorist entities. This move allows Canadian authorities to freeze their assets and enhance law enforcement capabilities to counteract their influence and activities within Canada.
Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca
Important Updates
Secondary Stories
U.S. ITC Investigates Trade Violations by Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
The U.S. ITC is investigating alleged violations by Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation concerning import and sale of certain products, soliciting public comments on potential public interest issues.
Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov
Canada's International Securities Transactions Report
In December 2024, foreign investors increased their exposure to Canadian debt securities by $14.4 billion, while Canadian investors acquired $3.8 billion in foreign securities.
Sources: Open Government Data Set: www.statcan.gc.ca
CPTPP Tariff Rate Quotas for Dairy Products
Global Affairs Canada released tariff rate quotas for powdered buttermilk, whey powders, and concentrated milk under the CPTPP, impacting import and export regulations.
Sources: Open Government Data Set: open.canada.ca, Open Government Data Set: open.canada.ca, Open Government Data Set: open.canada.ca
Importation and Transportation of Meat Products
The USDA plans to renew information collection for importing meat and poultry products, with comments due by April 21, 2025.
Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov
U.S. Preliminary Determination on Tungsten Shot from China
The U.S. Commerce Department found certain tungsten shot from China is sold at less than fair value, with dumping margins up to 201.32%, pending final determination.
Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov
U.S. ITC Ruling on Icemaking Machines
The ITC issued exclusion orders against Bluenix for infringing U.S. patents on icemaking machines, setting a bond at 49% of entered value during review.
Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov
Provincial Announcements
B.C. Throne Speech Emphasizes Economic Security
B.C. government outlined plans to protect against U.S. tariffs, focusing on economic security through self-reliance and job creation in technology and resources.
Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.gov.bc.ca
Investissement Québec Launches PANORAMA
PANORAMA offers flexible financing to Quebec exporters aiming to diversify beyond the U.S., responding to looming tariff threats with strategic advice and business intelligence.
Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.quebec.ca
Quebec Invests $510,000 to Diversify Exports
Quebec allocated $510,000 to Quebec International to help businesses in Capitale-Nationale develop new markets, part of a broader initiative to diversify exports.
Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.quebec.ca
Alberta Calls for Federal Action on Economic Corridors
Alberta's Minister of Transportation urges federal investment in interprovincial infrastructure to boost trade, citing the need to reduce reliance on north-south trade routes.
Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca
Public Officials' Social Media
MP Heath MacDonald Discusses Trade Tariffs
MP Heath MacDonald shares insights from his meetings in Washington regarding pending trade tariffs and their economic impact on both Canada and the U.S.
Sources: Social Media: x.com, Social Media: x.com
Senator Tony Loffreda on U.S. Tariff Threats
Senator Tony Loffreda discusses the potential impact of U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods during a fireside chat in Montreal, emphasizing economic resiliency.
Sources: Social Media: x.com
MP Ryan Williams on Canada-U.S. Trade Relations
MP Ryan Williams comments on the importance of Canada-U.S. trade relationships amid tensions, suggesting that increased trade could benefit both economies.
Sources: Social Media: x.com
What We're Reading This Week
- The Globe and Mail: A trade war casts a shadow over entwined Canada-U.S. supply chains.
- CBC News: Ambassador says U.S. recognizes Canada's 'progress' in protecting border, tackling fentanyl.
- CTV News: Amid U.S. tariff concerns, Napoleon pushes 'Buy Canadian' message.
- National Post: Conrad Black suggests Canada prepare for a trade war footing.
- The Star: Europeans can learn from Canada's dealings with U.S. President Donald Trump.
- The Globe and Mail: Opinion on Canada's trade agreement with the U.S. lacking free trade elements.
- CBC: Windsor taskforce addresses potential U.S. tariffs' impact.
- The Star: Trump's tariffs lead to a 'Buy Canadian' campaign at work.