On June 11, 2025, Novelis in Kingston, Ontario laid off 21 employees, citing economic pressures stemming from U.S. Section 232 aluminum tariffs. These duties—imposed on goods like aluminum and steel—have increased costs for operations across the border and forced Novelis to make difficult staffing reductions to stay competitive.

While Novelis hasn’t disclosed which specific roles were affected, the layoffs underscore how international trade policies can directly impact local employment, particularly in sectors dependent on cross-border supply chains like metals and manufacturing.

For the broader Canadian job market, especially within Ontario’s manufacturing corridors, this episode highlights the vulnerability of jobs to foreign policy shifts. Regions with key industrial employers—such as Kingston—may see ripple effects when corporations adjust production strategies or costs escalate. It also emphasizes the importance of reevaluating trade dependencies and diversifying domestic capabilities to mitigate future risks.

Have you been laid off by Novelis in Canada? Contact our employment lawyers today. Our legal team offers a free consultation and works on a contingency basis—there are no fees unless you win your case.

Tori Stafford’s original article, “U.S. aluminum tariffs lead to layoffs at Novelis in Kingston” was published in Kingstonist News on June 12, 2025. Read the Full Kingstonist News story.