Canadian Steel Producers Association wants a meeting with the federal government to urge them to hike tariffs on American steel entering Canada.
Late last week, the association expressed disappointment in Prime Minister Mark Carney’s decision not to match the 50 per cent tariffs that the Trump administration is imposing Canadian steel and aluminum.
Ottawa said it will continue to maintain a 25 per cent tariff on American steel, aluminum and autos, even after Washington slapped a wave of new tariffs on 407 categories of steel products, impacting close to $28 billion in Canadian trade with the U.S.
The Carney government is taking a conciliatory approach to the trade war with the U.S. by dropping many retaliatory tariffs on a number of U.S. goods come Sept. 1.
Carney said it was the right move in the hope of striking a trade agreement with the U.S.
While the 25 per cent tariff on U.S. steel remains in place, Catherine Cobden, the steel association’s president, wants that hiked to 50 per cent to match U.S. tariffs.
“We appreciate the sentiment expressed by the prime minister that his focus is on finding a solution for the (U.S.)Section 232-impacted sectors, but we must see actions that meet the moment,” said Cobden, in a statement.
“The fact is that a significant volume of steel is entering Canada from the United States without a tariff of any sort.”
The association is referring to the volume of American steel entering Canada, noting 83 per cent of that imported steel could’ve been produced by domestic producers, “but instead they get free access to the Canadian markets while our industry suffers.
“Reciprocal tariffs protect Canada’s industries and workers during this trade war.
“We are eager to meet with the Government of Canada to get this right.”
