03/16/2018

Canadian tariffs confirmed of 0-22% on newsprint

By Dennis Hetzel, Executive Director

Preliminary tariffs on Canadian newsprint ranging from 0-22% were approved this week by the U.S. Dept. of Commerce. The original request from the single mill in Washington state that complained was for 54.97%.  These are on top of duties already being charged.

This article from The Star in Toronto explains in more detail. As I read this, the two mills that will have dumping rates of 0% are Resolute Forest Products and White Birch. All others are 22.16%.

The ONMA is interested in hearing specifics about the local impact on your operations.  Details and anecdotes in your own words (ideally on your letterhead) can help a lot as we support the News Media Alliance and others to reverse this decision. Your contacts with members of Congress are encouraged, and we likely will be calling on some publishers to make specific, direct contacts. It also would be very helpful to get supporting letters from local businesses and local chambers of commerce.

Email me at dhetzel@ohionews.org with any information, questions or comments you have.

• Click here for the full statement from David Chavern, CEO of the News Media Alliance.  This includes links to additional information and talking points.
• Click here for a recent Columbus Dispatch editorial on the tariffs. Includes downloadable editorial from the ONMA that you can easily adapt for your use.
• And consider completing the ONMA member survey on newsprint tariffs. The information our members provide will help us fight this battle.