Statement

February 15, 2022 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada            

The Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development, today issued the following statement concerning the findings of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA)  dispute settlement panel with respect to US safeguard tariffs on solar products from Canada:

“Canada and the United States share one of the closest relationships in the world. At the end of last year, trade in goods between Canada and the United States reached an all-time high. This is a testament to the strength of our close relationship, our shared values, and CUSMA.

“I welcome the findings of the CUSMA dispute settlement panel, which unequivocally confirmed that US tariffs on Canadian solar products are unjustified and in violation of CUSMA.

“Canada’s long-standing and close collaboration with the United States on cross-border trade and supply chains is critical to supporting our shared economic recovery, fighting climate change, and ensuring our long-term growth and competitiveness.

“We welcome the United States’ intention to pursue a resolution with Canada and Mexico, as indicated by the President in his recent announcement. It has been made clear today in the CUSMA dispute settlement panel’s report that tariffs on Canadian solar products are in violation of CUSMA. Canada will work toward the complete removal of these unjustified tariffs.

“Canada will also ensure that our solar industry, as well as all Canadian industries and workers, can fully benefit from CUSMA.

“We are confident that by working together, we will be able to achieve our shared climate action goals, create jobs, support workers, and strengthen North American industry.”

Quick facts

• Since the imposition of the US safeguard tariffs in early 2018, exports of solar products from Canada to the United States have declined by as much as 82%.
• Canada held consultations with the United States under Chapter 31 of CUSMA on January 28, 2021, and Canada requested a dispute settlement panel on June 18, 2021.
• The United States has 45 days to reach an agreement with Canada and resolve the dispute.
• Public versions of all of Canada’s submissions in this dispute are available on the Trade Agreements Secretariat (TAS) electronic filing (e-filing) system. Please note that registration is required to access the system.
• All users of the TAS e-filing system will be able to access a public version of the panel’s final report within the next 15 days.

Related products

• Backgrounder: Canada wins Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement dispute settlement challenge regarding US solar safeguard tariffs on imports from Canada

Associated links

• Statement by Minister Ng regarding US tariffs on Canadian solar products
• Statement by Minister Ng on Canada’s request for CUSMA dispute settlement consultations with United States on Canadian solar products
• Trade Agreements Secretariat e-filing system

Contacts

Alice Hansen
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development
613-612-0482
Alice.Hansen@international.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
media@international.gc.ca
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