Quebec's Minister of the Economy: “No reason for the US to impose tariffs on its imports of aluminium from Canada”

Pierre Fitzgibbon, Quebec's Minister of the Economy said that he is "convinced" that there is no reason for the United States to impose tariffs on its imports of aluminium from Canada.

On 23^rd June’20, he said: “Such tariffs would harm our savings; our green aluminium has always allowed a stable supply to the American market. We will continue to defend the interests of our aluminium industry.”

The U.S. economic news agency has reported that the Trump administration could impose 10% tariffs on its imports of Canadian aluminium as early as 26^th June’20.

Aluminum Association of Canada spokesperson Jean Simard says he is "disappointed" but not "surprised".

He said: “What I think is speculative is that we will find ourselves in the situation before the tariffs were lifted. The Americans are going to pay more for aluminium.”

“Workers in Canadian aluminium smelters need not fear possible plant cuts or closings.”

Jean Simard, explained: "What we are saying to the Canadian government is stay the course, we respect the market rules and the situation will correct itself.”

With the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, automobile producers drastically reduced their production, which prompted aluminium smelters to modify their production lines to continue operating their tanks.