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Algoma Steel Announces Over 1,000 Layoffs Amid Tariffs and Transition

  Reeling from high tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, Algoma Steel confirmed Monday it has issued layoff notices to about 1,000 workers.  Algoma Steel, a major employer in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, has confirmed plans to lay off more than 1,000 workers in the coming months. The company issued 1,050 layoff notices as part of its decision to shut down its blast furnace and coke oven operations, accelerating its transition to electric arc furnace (EAF) technology. The layoffs, expected to take effect by March 23, 2026 , come as Algoma faces mounting financial pressures. The company reported nearly half a billion dollars in losses last quarter and cited “unprecedented tariffs” imposed by the United States as a key factor in reshaping its competitive landscape. Union leaders from United Steelworkers Locals 2724 and 2251 confirmed the layoffs, noting that while the workforce had anticipated job reductions tied to the EAF transition, the U.S. tariffs accelerated ...
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UK Manufacturing Faces Turbulent Times Amid Trade Challenges

British manufacturers are grappling with a challenging economic landscape as trade uncertainties and rising costs weigh heavily on the sector. The S&P Global UK Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) for manufacturing fell to 44.9 in March, marking its lowest point since October 2023. This decline reflects a contraction in activity, with new export orders dropping at the fastest rate since August 2023.

The downturn has been attributed to multiple factors, including the threat of tariffs from the United States, increased payroll taxes, and a rise in the national minimum wage. Smaller manufacturers have been hit particularly hard, with many reporting a decline in new orders and reduced business optimism. Only 44% of manufacturers expect output to increase over the coming year, a significant drop from 56% in the previous month.

Geopolitical tensions and economic slowdowns in key markets such as the US and Europe have further compounded the challenges. Despite these headwinds, the services sector has shown resilience, offering a glimmer of hope for the broader economy.

The manufacturing sector now faces an uphill battle to regain momentum, with industry leaders calling for government intervention to address the mounting pressures.

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