Saguenay businesses–Lac–Saint–Jeans who do business in the United States are crossing their fingers: President Donald Trump mentioned the 1is February as a possible date for imposing 25% tariffs.
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Considering the weight of the region in the Quebec economy and its volumes of aluminum and lumber exports, Saguenay–Lac–Saint–John could be hit hard.
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“From 5,000 to 10,000 jobs,” estimates Gilles Bergeron, retired economist from the University of Quebec at Chicoutimi (UQAC).
The aluminum unions discussed with their employers the scope of the measures.
For the moment, Donald Trump has only mentioned the date of 1is February and the tariff rate set at 25%. A committee set up by Washington must, however, submit a report on 1is April on trade practices in Canada, Mexico and China.
Photo provided by MEGA/WENN
Even if 90% of the production of the region’s aluminum smelters is destined for the United States, the president of the Alma aluminum smelter union Sylvain Maltais doubts that the company will be seriously affected by the tariffs. On the other hand, its investment plan could be revised.
The Alma aluminum smelter union will make its case and participate in a steel union rally next April in Las Vegas.
“The tariffs could have impacts on American workers,” says Sylvain Maltais. We will ask our colleagues to show solidarity with us, the Canadians.”
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Tariffs of 25%, which would be added to the 14% tax already in force on lumber, could seriously hurt Lignarex, which sells half of its production in the United States.
On the other hand, as the United States usually obtains 33% of its wood supply from Canadians, could lumber be exempt from the tax?
Businesses and unions defer to the government.
See the full report in the video above.
