Duties on u.s. imports: Quebec and the industries of steel and aluminum are common front

News 17 March, 2018
  • File Photo, Simon Clark
    Dominique Anglade

    QMI agency

    Friday, 16 march 2018 23:01

    UPDATE
    Friday, 16 march 2018 23:01

    Look at this article

    MONTREAL – The Quebec government and industries of the steel and the aluminum are common front in order to obtain a full exemption and continuing rights of customs imposed by the United States earlier this month.

    On 8 march, the president Trump has signed the document authorizing the imposition of duties of 25 % on u.s. steel imports and 10 percent on imports of aluminum. It has, however, opted to temporarily exclude Canada and Mexico, provided that the new free trade agreement between the three countries should be concluded to his satisfaction.

    On Friday, the ministers in quebec Dominique Anglade, and Christine St-Pierre met with representatives of the sectors of aluminum and steel giving effect to the intention of the Québec government to deploy all necessary efforts in order to obtain an exemption, complete and permanent in the light of the protectionist measures of the United States”. During the meeting, it was agreed to “work together to defend the interests of workers and companies in the sectors of steel and aluminium”, said the parties in a joint statement.

    Representatives of Alcoa, AluQuébec, ArcelorMittal long Products, the aluminum Association of Canada, the canadian Federation of independent business, the Federation des chambres de commerce du Québec, Québec Manufacturers and Exporters, Rio Tinto and Rio Tinto Iron and Titanium, Sorel Forge, as well as the union’s Uniforms and equipment have participated in the meeting.

    “Quebec has a temporary exclusion from the imposition of tariffs by 10% on aluminum and 25% steel exported to the United States, said Dominique Anglade, vice-prime minister and minister of the Economy. However, this is not enough. We will spare no effort until the exemption is complete and permanent. So we are working together with representatives of the sectors in québec’s aluminum and steel, the different ministries concerned and the government of canada to demonstrate that such rates would damage the economy of both sides of the border.”

    Quebec also announced in the wake of the meeting of Friday as the strategic advisor Raymond Chrétien, former Canadian ambassador to Washington, has agreed to advise the government in this folder. Mr. Christian is already as chief negotiator for the Québec lumber and newsprint, and printing.