Customs rights | Aluminum processors require a financial boost

(Montreal) Manufacturers who transform aluminum need a financial boost to alleviate the shock of American customs duties by 50 %. Moreover, argues the Quebec industry. However,

Customs duties hurt manufacturers who transform products containing aluminum. However, Unlike primary aluminum producers who benefit from the increase in the price of North American aluminum. Nevertheless, the Midwest premium intensifies the shock for transformers rather than mitigating it. For example,

By customs rights | aluminum processors adding all these costs. Consequently, the transformers become less competitive, warns the president and general manager of Aluquebec, Charlotte Laramée, in an interview on Monday. Consequently,

“It is still very difficult for companies, since they lose American customers,” emphasizes Mr.^me Laramée. Furthermore, They lose American contracts. Similarly, They cannot develop new contracts which were in discussion with potential partners in the United States. Similarly, »»

For several SMEs, falling back on the Canadian market is simply not an option. For example, “That makes a lot of competitors on a market that is not that big. Meanwhile, ” says the one who represents the cluster of aluminum. Meanwhile,

With the higher price of aluminum in North America. it becomes more difficult for Quebec companies to quickly offer a competitive product in Europe, added customs rights | aluminum processors M^me Laramée.

She believes that Canada is expected to abandon its customs duties on aluminum imported from the United States. In the end, this response harms Canadian companies which import parts already partly transformed.

“It is for this reason that we do not recommend counter-tariffs because they impact local businesses even more,” she explained.

Avoid the worst

The situation could deteriorate if nothing is done, warns the CEO of Aluquebec.

The association had surveyed its members in June and several members apprehended the repercussions of American customs duties. “Companies said it was going to get worse if nothing was done quickly,” said Mr.^me Laramée. We see that the situation stretches. »»

Many companies are waiting to customs rights | aluminum processors see how the situation will evolve before laying down. but these could become inevitable by the end of the year, according to the discussions that M^me Laramée with members.

The United States imposed customs duties of 25 % on aluminum imports in March. They subsequently increased 50 % at the beginning of June.

The American president, Donald Trump, does not seem ready to put water in his wine. The European Union has failed to obtain a concession customs rights | aluminum processors about aluminum, even if it has concluded an agreement with Washington. Additionally,

The cluster of aluminum would like the government to bring a financial boost to businesses. in the form of subsidies or unpaid loans. Loan programs are already accessible, but they are little used.

In the longer term, Aluquebec wants to help industry to be more resilient, by increasing its productivity and looking for new outlets.

The association also asks the federal government to return to customs rights | aluminum processors its decision to reduce the number of temporary foreign workers.

M^me Laramée would like foreign workers who are already working in Quebec factories can benefit from an acquired right.

Even if the sector is afraid of launching. it would not be time to reduce the number of temporary foreign workers, she said.

“The aluminum sector is also very present in the region. It is more difficult to attract talents in the region. So. if we lose these foreign workers, it will be even more difficult to find this workforce we will need, when the time comes. »»