NIAGARA FALLS, ONTARIO — Canada is the largest exporter of steel and aluminum to the United States, supplying $7.2 billion of aluminum and $4.3 billion of steel to the U.S. last year.

On Thursday, President Trump slapped a 25 percent tariff on steel and a 10 percent tariff on aluminum imports to the U.S. Much of that steel is produced in the province of Ontario.

Our Kevin Jolly went to Niagara Falls and asked some Canadians what they think about the tariff.

“I think it's nonsense. I think basically he's creating diversions for other things that he's doing. This way, people are concentrating on this, which is basically you're affecting your biggest trading partner and steel is important for both sides of the country," said Dan Poulin.

"We say it's not fair in Canada, and the U.S. says pretty much the same thing. So, I really don't think it's going to hurt the industry, it might even create more jobs up here in Canada," said Mike Wach.          

"I just feel bad because of the fact that Canada and the U.S. have been so close and to start fighting over stupid things now is just ridiculous," said Charles Reid.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called the tariff's "insulting and unacceptable.” Trumps defends the tariffs, citing national security.

Democratic Congressman Brian Higgins fears the move could undermine renegotiating the North American Free Trade Agreement. 

"While we're trying to do that, the Trump Administration is imposing tariffs on steel coming from Canada. It's not going to materially change the situation as it relates to steel-making in the United States. There are other reasons why steel manufacturing has declined in the United States, Canada is not one of them," said Rep Brian Higgins, (D) 26th Congressional District.

In the meantime, Canada will host the annual G7 Summit, a meeting of the world’s top seven economies, this weekend.