Canada’s steel & aluminium industry applauds new tariffs imposed on Chinese products

The Government of Canada announced the list of Chinese aluminium and steel products that will be subjected to a 25 per cent tariff, along with details regarding the implementation of Section 53 of the Customs Tariff Act.

This move, which follows an earlier decision in August to impose a 100 per cent levy on Chinese-made electric vehicles, aligns Canada's trade policy more closely with that of its key allies. The measure is intended to protect domestic manufacturers from lower-cost imports originating from Asia's largest economy.

In response, Catherine Cobden, President and CEO of the Canadian Steel Producers Association (CSPA), and Jean Simard, President and CEO of the Aluminium Association of Canada, stated, "Canada's steel and aluminium industries welcome this next and very important milestone in the implementation of tariffs on Chinese steel and aluminium. This critical step demonstrates that the Government of Canada recognises the strategic importance of our industries to Canada's economic security interests. Canada is standing up against excess capacity and unfair trading practices and, in so doing, is protecting thousands of jobs, families and communities that rely on vibrant and strong Canadian steel and aluminium industries."

The tariffs will apply to a range of products, including ingots, coils, wires, bars, and rods. However, it's important to note that goods already in transit as of October 22 will be exempt from these charges. The government plans to review these measures over the next year, possibly extending or introducing new measures.

"With this tariff alignment with our CUSMA partners, the US and Mexico, we are protecting the North American trading space against China's state sponsored excess capacity and its destructive effects on our markets. Our members appreciate the efforts of the Government, and of the consensus among all Parliamentarians, regarding these tariffs on China, which will align us with our largest trading partner and protect our highly integrated North American supply chains. The domestic steel and aluminium industries will now work with the Government to ensure a remission process that maintains the effectiveness of this critical tariff regime and only applies in well documented and unique circumstances,” added Catherine Cobden.