Canada’s steel and aluminum sectors are calling for new tariffs to control Chinese dumping.

Catherine Cobden, President and CEO of the Canadian Steel Producers Association and Jean Simard, President and CEO of the Aluminium Association of Canada, released a joint statement earlier this month in which they warn of, “the clear and present danger state-sponsored excess capacity from China has brought onto our industries, our workers and the communities we support across the country.”

Combined, the steel and aluminum industries directly employ more than 31,000 people in Canada and contribute more than $27 billion to the national economy.

In the statement, Cobden and Simard call for Canada to match those tariffs already put in place by companion industries in the United States and Mexico.

“Failure to act,” they say, “exposes Canada to becoming the North American entry point for steel, aluminium as well as EVs from China’s high carbon excess capacity. Preventing such a situation is part of a shared commitment with our trading partners, Mexico and the United States.

“Our industries therefore call on the Government of Canada to act swiftly and take a holistic approach by including steel, aluminium and EVs in a single tariff package fully aligned with our largest trading partner. Relying solely on the use of traditional trade remedy actions or lengthy investigations would leave Canada far behind its trading partners, and highly vulnerable.

“A CUSMA full tariff alignment for aluminium and steel should be seen as part of a comprehensive package of measures including EVs to be put in place against China. For steel, at least 25% tariffs should be imposed on all melted and poured Chinese steel entering Canada. For aluminium, full alignment in scope and quantum with final US Section 301 tariffs on imports of Chinese aluminium products.

“Our hope is that Canada recognizes the strategic importance of the steel and aluminium sectors and the workers and families our industries support. Taking this action would protect Canada from the real threat of unfair trade to our economic prosperity and to our trading relationships in North America.”