USDCAD rebounds from four-day decline as Trump administration prepares sweeping metal tariffs
Canada's export-driven economy faces headwinds with 79% of US aluminum imports at risk
Diverging employment trends between US and Is Solana a buy hold or sell?Canada create contrasting central bank scenarios
The USDCAD currency pair staged a notable recovery during Monday's Asian trading session, climbing approximately 0.8% to approach the 1.4350 resistance level. This reversal follows four consecutive days of depreciation and appears directly tied to renewed trade tensions between North American neighbors.
During an impromptu press briefing aboard Air Force One, the US President revealed intentions to implement comprehensive 25% duties on all imported steel and aluminum products. While specific nations weren't identified in the announcement, market participants immediately recognized the disproportionate impact on Canada - currently responsible for nearly four-fifths of America's aluminum supply.
Canadian officials responded swiftly to the proposed measures, with Innovation Minister François-Philippe Champagne emphasizing the strategic importance of cross-border metal trade. "Our aluminum and steel form the backbone of critical US manufacturing sectors," the Minister stated via social media, hinting at potential countermeasures should the tariffs materialize.
Friday's employment reports from both nations created intriguing monetary policy crosscurrents. Canada surprised markets with 76,000 new positions created in January - triple analyst expectations - while maintaining a steadily declining unemployment rate. This labor market strength briefly boosted the loonie before trade concerns resurfaced.
Conversely, the US jobs report presented a more nuanced picture. While payroll growth slowed considerably from December's robust figures, the unemployment rate continued its gradual descent to 4%. This combination reinforces expectations that Federal Reserve officials may maintain current interest rate levels throughout 2025, providing underlying support for the greenback.
Market technicians note the 1.4350 level represents a critical psychological resistance point for USDCAD, with a sustained breakout potentially opening the path toward 2024's highs near 1.4650. However, traders remain cautious as Canada prepares its response to the proposed trade restrictions, which could significantly impact bilateral commerce flows.
