Cost of Living

We smelt it, Trump dealt it: what's happening with aluminum and tariffs (again!)

Whether you are growing canola on the prairies or canning craft beer in Vancouver - international trade spats have been a thorn in the side of Canadian businesses and consumers for the past two years. But as another fight with our American neighbours looms over aluminum tariffs, we explain what's happening.

The U.S. slapped a 10% tariff on aluminum in early August

Canadian aluminum ingots await processing on a shop floor. (Stu Mills/CBC)

Whether you are growing canola on the prairies or canning craft beer in Vancouver - international trade spats have been a thorn in the side of Canadian businesses and consumers for the past two years.

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But as another fight with our American neighbours looms over aluminum tariffs, we explain what's happening.

Cost of Living executive producer Tracy Johnson speaks with a Canadian whose entire business relies on getting enough aluminum — a mobile beer canning operation. And we hear from a trade expert on how Canada might fight back, and why we are hearing about tariffs once again.


Click "listen" at the top of the page to hear this segment, or download the Cost of Living podcast.