Sisi Chan

Steel sector praises new tariff measures, but says more needs to be done

The recently introduced measures by Canada’s PM Mark Carney have elicited a response from the nation’s steel industry. Notably, the measures are seen in reference to the ongoing US tariffs. An overview of this state of affairs forms our introductory point.

On Wednesday, Carney announced new measures aiming to assist the steel and lumber industries within Canada. These included tighter quotas on foreign steel and enhanced freight rates – a move designed to challenge the existing trade dynamics.

Catherine Cobden, CEO of the Canadian Steel Producers Association, voiced her thoughts on these measures. While acknowledging them as a positive step for the troubled industry, she expressed concern over the loss due to reduced access to US markets.

She expressed disappointment at Ottawa’s decision to extend their remission program for certain steel importers, a move she interpreted as a dilution of the retaliation tariffs towards US steel.

Cobden is resolute about holding the federal government accountable. She refers specifically to PM Carney’s promise that the remission program shall conclude by the end of January, delayed from the original deadline. Social aspects of Canadian affairs remain to be explored in the linked articles and videos that succeed this report.