Sisi Chan

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

The recent measures taken by the Canadian Prime Minister to bolster the domestic market against U.S. tariffs have garnered the attention of Canada’s steel industry association head. The industry leader acknowledges these steps but insists on further action.

New measures: The Prime Minister outlined new policies aimed at supporting steel and lumber producers within Canada. The measures include restrictions on foreign steel import and offer reduced freight rates for the shipment of provincial materials.

However, the Canadian Steel Producers Association CEO feels these efforts may not entirely offset the lost access to the U.S. market. Nevertheless, she recognizes these measures as progress for an industry desperately seeking relief.

Catherine Cobden, the CEO, expresses disappointments over Ottawa’s decision to extend the remission program for some steel importers, an action which undermines Ottawa’s counter-tariffs on U.S. steel.

Cobden is intent on holding the federal government accountable on its promise to wrap-up the remission program by the end of January — a deadline already postponed for over three months.