Sisi Chan

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

Catherine Cobden, CEO of the Canadian Steel Producers Association, expresses mixed feelings on PM Carney’s relief measures for the steel industry in view of U.S. tariffs, despite overall perceived benefits.

PM Carney introduced policies aimed at bolstering steel and lumber producers, such as quotas on overseas steel imports to Canada and reduced travel expenses for goods across provincial lines.

However, Cobden states these steps might not be enough to offset the loss from the U.S. market—though they are going in the right direction for a sector in desperate need of support.

She voices dissatisfaction with Ottawa’s decision to prolong Canada’s remission program for certain steel importers in crucial industries, which dilutes Ottawa’s retaliatory tariffs on U.S. steel.

Cobden repeats her expectation that the federal government will fulfill its pledge for the remission program to terminate by the conclusion of January.