The federal government has announced a public consultation process to help shape new safeguards against foreign steel products coming into Canada.
Safeguards are trade measures imposed under international trade rules in exceptional circumstances to respond to import surges that may harm Canadian producers and workers.
The move is a response to concerns raised by Canadians with regard to the ongoing North American Free Trade Agreement, recent tariff decisions by the United States, and the potential impact of the U.S. tax reform.
Public input from the consultation will be considered when determining whether additional safeguards are required.
Products to be considered under any new safeguard legislation include:
- steel plate: heavy machinery and transportation manufacturing and construction;
- concrete reinforcing bar ("rebar"): strengthening and preventing concrete from cracking;
- energy tubular products: oil and gas exploration, extraction and transmission;
- hot-rolled sheet: construction and automotive, agricultural product and pipe and tube manufacturing;
- pre-painted steel: construction, industrial packaging and appliances manufacturing;
- stainless steel wire: manufacturing of pins, nails, springs, filters and conveyor belts; and
- wire rod: manufacturing of wires, springs, wire mesh, fasteners and nails, and automotive and industrial components.
According to the federal government, in 2017, the Canadian steel industry employed more than 23,000 Canadians and contributed $4.2 billion to Canada's gross domestic product.
Comments regarding possible safeguard action can be submitted to the Department of Finance Canada at fin.simaconsult-lmsiconsult.fin@canada.ca until Aug. 29, 2018.
