Sisi Chan

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

The Canadian steel industry acknowledges the benefits of the newly-introduced measures but expresses disappointment on one aspect.

These new measures aim to strengthen steel and lumber producers in the domestic market.

The new measures encompass tighter quotas on foreign steel and reduction of freight rates for provincial cross-border materials.

Catherine Cobden of the Canadian Steel Producers Association comments on the insufficiency of these measures against the loss of the U.S. market, yet recognizes them as a positive step forward.

The industry voices disappointment over Ottawa’s decision to extend the remission program for some steel importers. Such a move, according to the industry, weakens Ottawa’s retaliatory tariffs on U.S. steel.

Cobden holds the federal government to its assurance that the remission program will conclude in January.