Unifor: Imposing tariffs on Canadian aluminium are “intimidation tactics”

Unifor, the general trade union in Canada and the largest private-sector union in Canada, believes that threats by the American administration to impose new rates on Canadian aluminium are "intimidation tactics" and implores the Trudeau government not to give in.

There is a possibility of re-imposing Canadian aluminium tariffs if Canada declines to cut exports south of the border.

On 24^th June’20, Unifor has urged the Canadian Government to stand strong against what it calls a “disinformation campaign”.

The American Primary Aluminum Association (APAA), that represents Century Aluminum Company and Magnitude 7 Metals LLC, demanded tariffs of 10%, contended that an increase in aluminium coming from Canada has caused prices to fall.

Jerry Dias, National President, Unifor wrote a letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on 24^th June’20: “I urge you to reject any request for a concession from the United States authorities on this matter."

"We must not allow these bullying tactics to succeed. I urge you to remain firm in the face of this misinformation campaign and to reject any quota that would again disrupt the Canadian aluminium industry and lead to unnecessary layoffs."

The Donald Trump administration had imposed additional tariffs against Canadian aluminium between May 2018 and May 2019.

Unifor considers that this taxation was not justified the first time and that the new allegations are arbitrary.

A statement also said: "The allegation by APAA also ignores the headwinds facing the industry, including the economic slowdown caused by COVID-19 and a dramatic increase in non-Canadian imports from countries like China and Russia in the past decade.”