HAMILTON, ONTARIO — Stelco is preparing to indefinitely idle cold-rolled and coated steel operations at its Hamilton facility, with up to 500 employees expected to be affected.

The operations are scheduled to begin winding down on October 9, according to reporting citing an internal company memo. Stelco, which is owned by Cleveland-Cliffs, said it will concentrate steel production at its Nanticoke, Ontario facility.

The company has attributed the decision to difficult market conditions linked to U.S. tariffs on Canadian steel and continued import volumes. Stelco said affected Hamilton employees will be offered opportunities to work at the Nanticoke operation.

The development highlights the continuing pressure on Canada's steel industry, manufacturing sector and industrial workforce as Canadian producers navigate changing North American trade conditions.

The Hamilton facility has long been an important part of Ontario's steel industry, making the planned production changes significant for the local industrial economy.

The decision adds to growing concerns about the effect of cross-border trade measures on Canadian manufacturing and steel production.