Canadian Steel Producers Acknowledge Successful Conclusion of Trans-Pacific Partnership Negotiations

OTTAWA, Oct. 5, 2015 /CNW/ - The Canadian Steel Producers Association (CSPA) recognizes the Government of Canada for its role in achieving an agreement on the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP).

The CSPA has maintained an active interest in the progress of negotiations on the TPP and appreciates the Government of Canada's efforts to secure reasonable provisions related to the automotive industry.  The continued health of North American automotive manufacturing is critical to the success of Canada's primary steel producers with the sector accounting for over one-third of the $14 billion dollars in steel shipped by Canadian producers in 2014.  The CSPA and its member companies know first-hand that the continued growth of automotive manufacturing is of significant benefit to the Canada economy.

The CSPA believes that the completion of the TPP also underscores the importance of implementing a comprehensive policy-driven approach to ensure Canada's ultimate success in an increasingly liberalized global trade environment.  The development of a framework to attract and support foreign direct investment and build Canada's capacity as a platform for advanced manufacturing will be crucial to capturing trade opportunities with the TPP countries where market access has been increased.  At the same time Canada should continue to pursue, in the TPP and beyond, increased discipline as relates to state owned enterprises to ensure an even global playing field is maintained.

Finally, the CSPA's position is that free trade must be fair trade.  In that context the CSPA believes the successful conclusion of TPP negotiations also increases the incentive for the Government of Canada to strengthen Canada's trade remedy system with an eye to the mitigation of injury to Canadian manufacturers from dumped and subsidized imports.  As such, the CSPA will continue to work towards the implementation of enforceable trade remedy modernization and information sharing proposals which we believe should be adopted in a comprehensive and timely fashion.  Our proposals focus on the elements of transparency of customs information; more effective investigation; improved adjudication; and bolstering of enforcement. A stronger trade remedy system will increase the effectiveness of free trade agreements, build capacity for monitoring compliance and ultimately facilitate Canadian employment.

About CSPA:

The Canadian Steel Producers Association (CSPA) is the national voice of Canada's $14 billion primary steel production industry. Canadian steel producers are integral to the automotive, energy, construction, and other industrial supply chains.  CSPA seeks to work with governments and industry partners to advance public policies that enable a stronger, more globally competitive business environment for its member companies and supply chain stakeholders.

SOURCE Canadian Steel Producers Association

Media Contact: Joseph Galimberti, President, Canadian Steel Producers Association, 1-613-293-6806