NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
MARKHAM, Ontario, May 21, 2019—The Canadian Institute of Steel Construction (CISC) welcomes the successful lifting of U.S. Section 232 steel tariffs and all Canadian countermeasures. This effort negotiated by the Government of Canada will allow the Canadian steel industry, as well as those employed by it, to succeed and freely grow.
With the removal of the U.S. steel tariffs, Canada’s downstream steel construction sectors and steel fabricators are once again able to operate and bid on construction projects without contractual risk and uncertainty. Our Canadian steel industry can remain globally competitive, providing quality steel products and structures on both sides of the border.
“We’re pleased to see such a positive resolution for the removal of the U.S. steel tariffs. Canadian steel companies and their employees deserve a fair chance to succeed and this negotiation has given them an opportunity to do so once again,” says Ed Whalen, President & CEO of the CISC. “We congratulate our federal government for their unwavering efforts in protecting the interests of Canadians in this matter and successfully implementing fair trade with the U.S.”
In a joint statement, the Government of Canada announced the elimination of the 25 per cent steel tariffs imposed by the U.S., citing Section 232, as well as Canada‘s countermeasure actions. As part of the agreement, Canada and the U.S. will work together to develop a process that will monitor steel trade among them, as well as from countries outside of North America, to prevent subsidized and/or dumped steel entering both countries.
We urge the Canadian government to maintain the same active approach in protecting the Canadian market from dumped and/or subsidized fabricated structural steel. It is imperative that we continue to uphold the Canadian International Trade Tribunal’s (CITT) ruling on anti-dumping duties in order to give more construction projects to Canadian companies, create steel industry jobs, keep the Canadian economy growing and strengthen the Canadian middle class.
The CISC will remain active in supporting the needs of Canada’s vibrant steel construction industry. We will continue to work closely with the Canadian government to advocate fair trade, as well as the interests of the Canadian middle class.
ABOUT CISC
The Canadian Institute of Steel Construction (CISC) is Canada’s voice for the steel construction industry, providing leadership in sustainable design in construction, advocacy, efficiency, quality and innovation. The CISC’s efforts aim to advance the use and benefits of steel, increase Canadian market share, as well as advocate for a diverse community made up of manufacturers, fabricators, service centres, erectors, consultants, detailers, industry suppliers, owners and developers.
The Canadian steel construction sector is a vibrant $5 billion industry, which employs over 130,000 people in its supply chain.
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Media Contact:
Amanda Charlebois
Manager, Marketing and Communications
Canadian Institute of Steel Construction (CISC)
www.cisc-icca.ca
