'Decisive action': New tariffs on Chinese steel take effect today

Canada’s 25 per cent surtax on imports of steel and aluminum products from China has kicked in.

When they were announced in August, Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland said the tariffs would level the playing field for Canadian workers, allowing producers to compete in domestic, North American, and global markets.

In a statement released today, Sault Ste. Marie MP Terry Sheehan says the new measure will add “another layer of steely strength to Canada's trade regime which is the strongest in the world.”

Below is the full news release from Sheehan:

When I was first elected nine years ago, Algoma Steel was in bankruptcy and Tenaris Tubes had a handful of people working. The blame was squarely placed on cheap dumped steel that was a result of inaction from the Harper/ Poilievre government. Our government took immediate action in our first year, and each year since to turn the industry around and protect workers. We fought back when Donald Trump put unjustified tariffs on our product, and we have continuously supported modernizing and greening the industry. This has led to the strengthening and growth of the steel industry in the Soo and Canada.

Today the 25 per cent tariffs on cheap, Chinese-made steel go into effect adding another layer of steely strength to Canada's trade regime which is the strongest in the world. We are also implementing "melt and pour" rules, which will improve transparency about the source of imported products, and support domestic production.

These new tariffs and rules have been made in consultation and collaboration with Canada's steel producers. “We are moving in lockstep with key international partners to protect Canadian workers and businesses in our steel and aluminum sectors from China’s intentional, state-directed policy of overcapacity and oversupply, which is undermining Canada’s ability to compete in domestic and global markets," said finance minister Chrystia Freeland this week. "Canada is taking decisive action to level the playing field and protect Canadian workers and investments in Canadian industry.”