While speaking to Republican donors, Trump said he told Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau that the U.S. has a trade deficit with Canada, while admitting he really "had no idea."
The steel and aluminum tariffs are based on the idea that these homegrown industries are critical for national security purposes. But global supply chains make it tough for the U.S. to go it alone.
The administration's plan to impose a 25 percent tariff on steel imports and 10 percent on aluminum has been met by near universal criticism from around the globe.
While some U.S. steel manufacturers may be embracing tariffs on imported steel, it could hurt some small manufacturers. Simonds International says it could put its Michigan plant out of business.
President Trump said Thursday that he would impose hefty tariffs on imports of both metals in the coming weeks — a move largely aimed at China. But a number of U.S. trade partners had harsh words.
The move announced Thursday is intended to bolster the domestic steel and aluminum industry, but manufacturers that use imported metal are concerned about the consequences of the change.
Testing President Trump's promise to get tough on trade, two U.S. solar panel manufacturers are seeking to impose a tariff on panels made overseas. But many in the industry warn it could cost jobs.
President Trump has suggested an import tax of up to 45 percent on goods made by U.S. firms overseas. But it's illegal to single out individual companies and it's unclear what form the tax would take.