Economic pressure overshadows Quebec independence debate
Industrial companies in Quebec are facing order and production losses due to U.S. tariffs. According to Reuters, orders for fasteners and similar products at a steel plant in Quebec fell by around one-third shortly after the U.S. imposed a 50% tariff on Canadian steel.
Growing economic uncertainty has also pushed the political debate over Quebec’s separation from Canada into the background. Public support for an independence referendum has reportedly fallen to around 30%, one of the lowest levels seen in recent years.
Although the separatist Parti Québécois remains in a strong position in elections, party leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon is reluctant to accelerate the independence process while the Trump administration remains in office. The uncertainty surrounding trade policies is reinforcing the view that remaining within Canada may be economically and strategically safer for Quebec.
Trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada have also intensified in recent days. Washington has begun imposing 50% tariffs on around USD20 billion worth of Canadian products, while the failure of negotiations between the two countries has prompted Ottawa to consider retaliatory measures.
Tariffs on steel and aluminum remain among the key issues in the negotiations. Under a previously discussed potential agreement, the base tariff on Canadian steel and aluminum could be reduced to 25% within a specific quota, while imports exceeding the quota would remain subject to the 50% tariff.
Sourced by: Reuters
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