Media Release

CANADIAN STEEL INDUSTRY SEEKS ACTIONS AT HOME IN LIGHT OF UNJUSTIFIED US TARIFFS

March 12, Ottawa, ON – Catherine Cobden, President and CEO of the Canadian Steel Producers Association (CSPA), released this statement following the imposition of tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminium by the Trump Administration:

“The announcement by President Trump of a 25% tariff on Canadian steel entering the United States has deeply damaged our mutually beneficial trading relationship. These tariffs will have devastating repercussions on both sides of the border for workers and communities that rely on a strong North American steel industry. Indeed, many are already feeling the impacts.

“We welcome today’s announcement of Canada’s retaliatory tariffs, as well as ongoing efforts by government to resolve this trade war. However, we remain deeply concerned about the significant disruption and ongoing uncertainty being created by the United States for our industry. To build resiliency and long-term prospects for the sector in Canada, we are calling on the government to act with urgency to address long standing concerns on unfair trade within our own borders.

“First, Canada must enact tariffs on all steel and steel derivatives from China and other known trade offenders to address unfair steel trade in Canada once and for all. As witnessed by Canadian trade cases, there remains significant levels of dumping and other unfair practices which erode our industry’s ability to compete.

“In addition, we are asking all municipal, provincial and federal governments to step up and ensure they are prioritizing Canadian steel in all their publicly funded infrastructure projects. This would be a strong and timely show of support for Canada’s steel industry, and the workers and communities that depend on it. We are long overdue for ensuring that Canadian-made steel is being prioritized for domestic projects."