Commerce Department Secretary Wilbur Ross said Wednesday that the U.S. needs a steel tariff against Canada because China’s trade practices are forcing the U.S. to impose broad international tariffs.

In a Senate Finance Committee hearing Wednesday, Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Colo., noted that the administration’s 25 percent tariff on steel was based on national security grounds. He asked Ross how Canada, a longtime ally, qualified on those grounds. Ross conceded that Canada presented no security threat but said the tariffs are still needed.