Government Takes Further Steps to Prevent Diversion of Steel Products Into Canada
News release
August 14, 2018 – Hamilton, Ontario – Department of Finance Canada
The Government of Canada continues to protect Canada's steel industry and stand up for Canadian workers, by taking further steps to prevent diversion of foreign steel products into Canada.
Recognizing the harm that diversion into Canada may cause to Canadian steel producers and workers, Finance Minister Bill Morneau today launched a public consultation on possible safeguard action on imports of the following steel products:
- Steel plate
- Concrete reinforcing bar
- Energy tubular products
- Hot-rolled sheet
- Pre-painted steel
- Stainless steel wire
- Wire rod
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 Government will continue to work with stakeholders to determine if additional products may be considered for safeguard action, and is committed to applying additional safeguards where circumstances warrant their application, in accordance with Canada's international trade obligations.
Comments regarding possible safeguard action can be submitted to the Department of Finance Canada at fin.simaconsult-lmsiconsult.fin@canada.ca until August 29, 2018. Interested parties can see the invitation to submit views for more information.
Minister Morneau made the announcement in Hamilton, Ontario, prior to a meeting with local business leaders. The business roundtable, hosted by ArcelorMittal Dofasco, is part of a series of meetings the Finance Minister is holding across the country to help inform the Government's responses to immediate challenges and to support ongoing efforts to grow the economy over the longer term.
Quotes
"The Government will always stand up for Canadian workers and Canadian businesses, and that means taking action to counter unfair trade practices when merited. International trade unquestionably strengthens Canada's economy, but it must be fair and open, and it must result in growth that works for everyone."
- Bill Morneau, Minister of Finance
"Canada's steel and aluminum industries support good, middle class jobs across the country. Our workers and industry have the Government's full support. We have taken actions to end fraudulent transshipment and to further prevent dumping of unfairly priced imports into the Canadian market. We are committed to taking action to protect and support our workers and producers."
- Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Foreign Affairs
"We will continue to stand with the steel and aluminum industry, and the thousands of Canadian workers who work in this sector. Our government is committed to taking the action necessary to ensure the sector remains competitive, while playing an active role to support innovation in order to create and maintain middle class jobs."
- Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development
"Trade is vital to our economic success as a country, as is making sure that Canadian workers and industries have the support they need to succeed. Today's announcement is proof that we will respond in a measured and responsible way when our steel industry is under threat."
- Jim Carr, Minister of International Trade Diversification
Quick facts
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Products considered for provisional safeguards are used in a variety of applications, the most common of which 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.
- Wire rod: manufacturing of wires, springs, wire mesh, fasteners and nails, and automotive and industrial components.
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In 2017, the Canadian steel industry employed more than 23,000 Canadians and contributed $4.2 billion to Canada's gross domestic product.
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Recognizing that businesses are anxious about what the future holds in light of the ongoing renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement, recent tariff decisions by the United States, and the potential impact of the U.S. tax reform, Minister Morneau is meeting with business leaders from across the country to talk about how the Government and the business community can better work together, adapt to changing circumstances if needed, and build a more competitive Canada.
Related products
Associated links
- Canada stands up for our steel and aluminum workers and industry
- Remarks by the Prime Minister of Canada on steel and aluminum tariffs imposed by the United States
- Address by the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Foreign Affairs, on steel and aluminum tariffs imposed by the United States
- Canada Bolsters Prevention of Transshipment and Diversion of Steel and Aluminum Products Through Country of Origin Marking Regime
Contacts
Media may contact:
Pierre-Olivier Herbert
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Finance
pierre-olivier.herbert@canada.ca
613-369-5696
Media Relations
Department of Finance Canada
fin.media-media.fin@canada.ca
613-369-4000
General Enquiries
Phone: 613-369-3710
Facsimile: 613-369-4065
TTY: 613-369-3230
E-mail: fin.financepublic-financepublique.fin@canada.ca
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