Steel Industry in Canada: 15 Facts & Statistics

15 Canadian Steel Facts & Statistics

#1 - Canada’s steel industry contributes $4.2 billion to GDP ^[4]

#2 - The Canadian steel sector employed just over 23,700 people in 2021 and supports an additional 100,000 indirect and induced jobs in other various industries ^[3]

#3 - Canada is home to more than 40 steel-producing facilities nationwide, most of which are found in Ontario and Quebec ^[4]

#4 - Canada produced 12.1 million tonnes of steel in 2021, ranking 16^th globally ^[3]

#5 - Canada is a net importer of steel; in 2023, it imported 8.4 million tonnes of semi-finished steel products and exported 6.6 million tonnes ^[1]

#6 - Canada exported 4.8 million tonnes of steel scrap in 2023; in fact, many Canadian steel plants make steel completely from scrap materials ^[1]

#7 - Canadian steel producers exported just over 50% of their annual production in 2024, more than 90% of which was accounted for by U.S. buyers ^[2]

#8 - Canada imports more U.S. steel than any other country in the world, accounting for 45% of U.S. exports; in 2021, $17.4 billion of steel was traded between the two countries ^[3]

#9 - Canada was the world’s eighth-largest producer of iron ore in 2023 ^[1]

#10 - Canada exported 58.2 million tonnes of iron ore in 2023, valued at $8.9 billion ^[1]

#11 - Canada also imported 8.2 million tonnes of iron ore in 2023, valued at $1.1 billion ^[1]

#12 - Iron ore is mined in Quebec, Nunavut, and Newfoundland and Labrador ^[1]

#13 - The 12.9-kilometre Confederation Bridge connects Prince Edward Island to mainland Canada; it is the longest bridge in the country, the world’s longest bridge over ice-covered water, and is made from Canadian steel ^[4]

#14 – Canada produces significant quantities of metallurgical coal (used in coking or to make steel), accounting for 61% of Canadian production ^[5]

#15 – Canada was the seventh largest producer of metallurgical coal in the world in 2022, producing 27 million tonnes, with large quantities exported via the Port of Vancouver to buyers across the Pacific Ocean ^[5]

Challenges Facing Canada's Steel Industry

The Canadian steel sector is facing a complex set of challenges that test its resilience and competitiveness. One of the most significant issues is its reliance on cross-border trade with the U.S., which has now imposed tariffs on Canadian steel. Over 90% of Canadian steel exports are destined for U.S. buyers, making the sector highly vulnerable to changes in U.S. trade policy and tariffs.

These tariffs pose a persistent threat to Canadian steel producers. Whenever tariffs on steel imports are introduced or increased by the U.S., it directly impacts Canadian exports by raising costs and creating uncertainty for producers and customers alike. This can lead to a reduction in export volumes and a loss of market share, undermining the stability of the Canadian steel sector.

In addition to trade barriers, Canadian producers also contend with broader global competition. The industry must navigate fluctuating international demand, currency shifts, and the need to modernize facilities to stay efficient and competitive. Together, these challenges highlight the need for continuous adaptation to ensure the future growth of the Canadian steel industry.

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— Canada Action (@CanadaAction) August 10, 2025

SOURCES:

_{1 - https://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/iron-and-steel-industry}

_{2 - https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2025/07/support-for-the-canadian-steel-sector.html}

_{3 - https://www.cwbgroup.org/files/documents/canadian_metal_industry_english.pdf}

_{4 - https://canadiansteel.ca/manufacturing}

_{5 - https://natural-resources.canada.ca/minerals-mining/mining-data-statistics-analysis/minerals-mining-publications/canadian-mineral-production}

_{6 - https://natural-resources.canada.ca/minerals-mining/mining-data-statistics-analysis/minerals-metals-facts/coal-facts}