Canada requests NAFTA review of U.S. tariffs on Canadian solar panel products

News release

July 23, 2018 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

Canada’s innovative solar industry supports businesses and workers in the clean-technology sector which is vital to our economic prosperity.

The United States has imposed a 30 percent safeguard tariff on imports of solar panels from all countries, including Canada. The U.S. tariffs were applied despite the United States International Trade Commission recommendation that Canada be excluded from any safeguard measures after finding that imports from Canada are not a source of injury to U.S. industry.

In defence of the Canadian solar industry and its workers, the Government of Canada is requesting a NAFTA Chapter 20 review of these unfair and illegal tariffs.

Canada is a strong supporter of rules-based international trade and looks to its trade partners to also uphold their international obligations. Canada will always defend its workers and industries.

Quotes

“The Government of Canada is committed to defending Canadian workers and industry. The U.S. tariffs on Canadian solar panels have affected businesses and workers on both sides of the border. The tariffs violate NAFTA rules and were imposed despite the fact that the United States International Trade Commission found that imports of solar panels from Canada were not harming U.S. industry. The Canadian solar industry is a provider of sustainable, middle-class jobs, and the Government of Canada will continue to defend its interests and workers.”

- Hon. Chrystia Freeland, P.C., M.P., Minister of Foreign Affairs

Contacts

Adam Austen
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
Adam.Austen@international.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
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