‘We can’t believe what’s going on’: Waterloo, Ont. steel and aluminum fabricator reacts to doubled tariffs

The U.S. has doubled its tariffs on imported aluminum and steel. CTV’s Heather Senoran has reaction.

Steel and aluminum manufacturers in Waterloo Region are bracing for the worst after U.S. President Donald Trump’s doubled tariffs took effect on Wednesday.

Astron Specialty Metals in Waterloo has been mastering custom fabricating for nearly six decades.

“Anything from conveyers to tanks, cookie cutters, tables, counters,” said Ron Schatz, whose father was one of the three partners who started Astron.

He said the tariffs increasing to 50 per cent is troubling.

“We just keep shaking our head. We can’t believe this is what’s going on,” said Schatz.

Schatz said it may have an impact on customers.

“Some of our customers, for example, they may become afraid. Then they start holding back,” he said.

Astron makes aluminum, but also buys some. Schatz expects he could soon face changes when it comes to purchasing aluminum.

“They’re going to get marked up. Then we get marked up. Then everybody gets marked up. If that’s what happens, then that’s what happen,” he said.

The ripple effect is expected to hit many different types of Canadian businesses.

“Just think of construction projects, rates, steel beams, frames. Think about cross beams for automobiles, you know, appliances. It’s going to essentially be like a tax,” said Tony LaMantia, president of Waterloo EDC, an organization that helps businesses looking to locate, relocate or expand to Waterloo Region.

Waterloo EDC also provides tariff support on their website, including resources for businesses trying to find local substitutes to replace U.S. providers.

LaMantia said he doesn’t see tariffs this large lasting long term.

“I think this is a temporary thing,” he said. “Look for a carve out as soon as we get more advanced trade negotiations accomplished with the United States.”

He suggested businesses wait it out.

“I’m going to quote Winston Churchill. ‘You can always count on Americans to do the right thing after they’ve exhausted every other option.’ There are going to circuitously get their way to the right outcome. We just have to wait for reason to prevail,” LaMantia said.

As for Astron, he said staff are trying to stay optimistic.

“If everybody panicked. Could you imagine what chaos that would turn into?” Schatz said.