Sisi Chan

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

Canada’s steel sector’s view: Mark Carney’s package against U.S. tariffs wins approval, albeit one disappointment cited by the industry association’s head.

Carney’s newly declared measures include tighter quotas on imported steel and reduced freight rates for materials crossing provincial boundaries, intended to uplift the steel and timber sectors.

The industry perspective: Catherine Cobden, CEO of the Canadian Steel Producers Association, sees these moves as progress, not total remedy for the loss of access to the U.S. market.

The industry expresses discontent with Ottawa’s extension to Canada’s remission program for some steel importers, claiming it weakens the retaliatory tariffs on American steel.

Cobden vows to keep a vigilant eye on the remission program concluding at January-end, a commitment reinforced by Prime Minister Carney.