Trump weighing options for global steel tariffs

after invoking a provision in U.S. trade law that allows the president to take punitive actions if it’s a matter of national security.

Ross has employed a loose definition of national security. To him, it’s not just about having enough steel to build tanks. It’s also about roads, and bridges and the economic well-being of American workers.

“National security is a very broadly encompassing topic,” Ross said.

He also spelled out the potential consequences for America’s No. 1 trading partner. In short, Canada’s situation is now in the president’s hands:

“If (Trump) goes the targeted route, Canada would be excluded,” Ross told a conference call. “(But) the blanket-tariff alternative and the blanket-quota alternative would target all countries...

“(Trump) will decide what he’s going to do... He is not bound by these recommendations... He could do something totally different — or do nothing.”

The recommendations released Friday also include aluminum. The president is being asked to consider a 7.7 per cent tariff on all aluminum exports from all countries, or a 23.6 per cent tariff on just a few countries: China, Hong Kong, Russia, Venezuela and Vietnam.

Ross said he anticipates other countries might fight back: “It wouldn’t surprise us if there were (retaliation).”

The government report also had some encouraging words for Canada. In several parts of the report, Canada was described as a partner and supplier to the American aluminum industry — not a threat.