Sisi Chan

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

The head of the Steel Producers Association of Canada unveiled its shared concern over the scope of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s support package to strengthen the domestic market amid U.S. tariffs.

New directions: Carney introduced fresh measures to aid steel and lumber manufacturers in exploring new markets domestically.

Additions include tightening restrictions on foreign steel entering Canada and committing to decrease rail freight rates for materials transiting between provinces

Catherine Cobden, CEO of the Canadian Steel Producers Association, commented that, though these initiatives may not entirely reclaim access to the U.S. market, they can be viewed as moving in the right direction.

Yet, dissatisfaction has emerged in the steel industry following Ottawa’s decision to extend Canada’s remission program for some steel importers in critical sectors. This decision is perceived as an action undermining Ottawa’s tariffs on U.S. steel.

Cobden further emphasized the necessity of keeping the federal government accountable following Carney’s assurance that the remission program will be phased out by the end of this January.