CME concerned with regrettable US decision to impose preliminary countervailing duty on Canadian newsprint

Ottawa, January 10, 2018

Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) is concerned with US Department of Commerce decision to levy preliminary countervailing duties of 0.65% to 9.93% on uncoated paper. “This decision will impact the Canadian industry negatively and could lead to job losses in certain provinces. This decision will not only affect pulp and paper producers but also their entire supply chain,” said Dennis Darby, President & CEO of CME. “Additionally, the duties will drive the prices of newsprint up in the US, hurting American consumers.”

“Manufacturers are strong proponents of free and fair trade and are concerned that this new tariff barrier will affect Canada’s trading relationship with its most important partner, the United States” added Darby.

CME, as part of its NAFTA engagement with the Canadian government, has called for the modernization of the agreement to include a clear and independent process for dispute resolution. This would allow for the resolution of conflict of this kind objectively and transparently for all parties.

Update: On March 13, 2018, the US Department of Commerce announced additional antidumping duties of up to 22.16% on uncoated groundwood paper.

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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