Tinplate Tariffs: Trump's Trade War with Canada Hits Home

President Trump's trade war with Canada is raising living costs for both countries. One of the tariffs, on tinplate steel used in cans, has been in place since June 2025 and affects 80% of America's tinplate supply from Canada.

The tariff has a significant impact on food prices, which are rising at more than 5% annually due to the tinplate tariff. This is slower than overall inflation, but still adds up quickly: one study found it increases the price of canned corn by 36-58 cents per can.

Trump cited Section 232 of the 1962 Trade Expansion Act as a reason for the tariffs, which allows presidents to enact tariffs on national security grounds. However, this is difficult to justify against Canada, and Trump's rationales have grown more rigorous over time.