Canadian steelmakers have called for an end to the tariff war between the US and Canada

Following the introduction of a 50% tariff on Canadian steel, imports of the product into the US fell sharply

The Canadian Steel Producers Association (CSPA) has called for an end to the tariff war between the US and Canada and for closer cooperation to strengthen North America. This is stated in a corresponding statement from the CSPA.

As noted by the industry association, the country’s steel industry has endured a year of 50 per cent US tariffs on Canadian steel exports – “a harsh and unacceptable trade measure imposed by the United States against Canada”.

For decades, Canada has supplied the products needed to manufacture American cars, bridges, pipelines, military equipment and critical infrastructure. The country was also the largest export market for US steel.

“However, despite this proven partnership, Canadian steel producers have faced punitive tariffs that have disrupted supply chains, jeopardised jobs and harmed communities,” the CSPA statement emphasised.

CSPA President and CEO Catherine Cobden noted that it is difficult to justify US tariffs, as the US continues to require tens of millions of tonnes of imported steel to meet the needs of its own market. Canada was the largest supplier of steel to the United States prior to the trade war, yet last year these supplies fell by 60%.

Canada has introduced trade policy measures to protect its domestic market from unfair trade in primary steel and steel products, which are directly aimed at global overcapacity from China.

Furthermore, the association notes that the government has introduced strict monitoring of smelting and casting for all imports entering the country and has significantly increased investment in border controls. These actions, among other things, are in line with measures taken by the United States.

It should be recalled that Canada will extend tariff rate quotas (TRQs) on metal products and preferential tariffs on imports of certain types of steel and aluminium from the US for one year.