Canadian manufacturers deeply concerned with U.S. Administration decision to levy tariffs on steel and aluminum

Ottawa, May 31, 2018

Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) condemns the decision of the U.S. Administration to levy tariffs of 10% on aluminum and 25% on steel Canadian imports.

“CME appreciates the federal government stepping up for the industries by taking a strong line and imposing hefty countermeasures,” said Dennis Darby, President & CEO of CME. “The decision of the U.S. Administration is an unfortunate outcome for the North American economy. Steel and aluminum are a key component of countless manufactured goods. Because of the deep integration of manufacturing supply chains, the tariffs will drive prices up for all consumers.”

“The tariffs will have devastating impacts on the highly integrated North American steel and aluminum supply chains. The competitiveness of both American and Canadian industries will be negatively affected as a result,” added Darby “These measures are unjustified and, we believe that Canada should have received a permanent exclusion.”

The Canadian steel and aluminum industry employs 22,000 and 10,000 respectively. Canada is the largest supplier of both steel and aluminum to the United States with which we have a zero trade balance on steel products.

ABOUT CANADIAN MANUFACTURERS & EXPORTERS

Since 1871, Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters has been helping manufacturers grow at home and, compete around the world. Our focus is to ensure manufacturers are recognized as engines for growth in the economy, with Canada acknowledged as both a global leader and innovator in advanced manufacturing and a global leader in exporting. CME is a member-driven association that directly represents more than 2,500 leading companies who account for an estimated 82 per cent of manufacturing output and 90 per cent of Canada’s exports.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Stefi Proulx

Director of Communications & Branding

Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters

(613) 292-6070

stefi.proulx@cme-mec.ca