Durbin Warns Trump Administration Against Newsprint Tariffs
WASHINGTON—U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today called on the U.S. Department of Commerce to consider the impact on local newspapers of a preliminary plan to impose tariffs on newsprint paper imported from Canada.
“I support the Administration’s efforts to combat illegal trade practices and ensure American companies are able to operate on a level playing field with their international competitors. However, I am concerned that tariffs on uncoated groundwood paper from Canada have the potential to harm domestic industries and cause a loss of American jobs,”
wrote Durbin. “My constituents are concerned that tariffs will lead to significant supply disruptions that will cause community newspapers to lay off employees and move even more content to digital platforms.”
Full text of Durbin’s letter:
April 16, 2018
The Honorable Wilbur Ross
Secretary
U.S. Department of Commerce
1401 Constitution Avenue, NW
Washington D.C. 20230
Dear Secretary Ross:
I am writing regarding the Department’s current investigation into imports of uncoated groundwood paper from Canada. I urge you to carefully consider the concerns of all domestic stakeholders as you move forward with this investigation.
I support the Administration’s efforts to combat illegal trade practices and ensure American companies are able to operate on a level playing field with their international competitors. However, I am concerned that tariffs on uncoated groundwood paper from Canada have the potential to harm domestic industries and cause a loss of American jobs. It is my understanding that a majority of domestic newsprint manufacturers and consumers, including trade associations such as the American Forest and Paper Association and News Media Alliance, are opposed to this petition.
According to the International Trade Commission (ITC), nearly 35.7 percent of Canadian newsprint imports entered the United States through the Midwest in 2016. Since 2000, demand for North American newsprint has already declined by about 75 percent. Illinois is home to more than 450 local newspapers. My constituents are concerned that tariffs will lead to significant supply disruptions that will cause community newspapers to lay off employees and move even more content to digital platforms.
This case could have serious economic implications for print newspapers in Illinois and throughout the country. As the Department of Commerce conducts its investigation, I ask that you take into consideration the impact an affirmative final determination would have on the viability of the domestic newspaper industry and domestic groundwood producers.
Thank you for your consideration of this letter.
Sincerely,
RICHARD J. DURBIN
United States Senator
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