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.

Recommended Stories

Trade deficit jumped in July as imports soared, despite Trump’s tariffs

Mexico, Canada play hardball on trade deal over steel tariffs

Canada open to dealing on dairy, addressing key issue in NAFTA talks: Report