In a major victory for the printing industry, Printing Industries of America is pleased to announce that the United States International Trade Commission (ITC) has unanimously ruled to terminate duties currently being applied to uncoated groundwood paper, or newsprint, imports from Canada. This decision ends the tariff, and funds collected to date will be reversed over a period of three to six months.
From the start, we knew this tax on newsprint would immediately harm commercial printing companies, book printers, service companies, equipment suppliers, and ultimately, consumers. After analyzing the facts, the ITC has issued the right decision to protect American jobs across the country. The printing industry can now breathe a sigh of relief.
Newsprint used by U.S. newspapers and commercial printers consists of two-thirds of uncoated groundwood paper. The spike in the cost of paper prompted harm across the industry--and forced many local newspapers to scale back reporting and reduce the number of editions they publish. The tariffs also repressed demand by small businesses that use printed advertising inserts and flyers to reach customers.
Today's victory demonstrates the powerful results the printing industry can achieve when we flex our political might. In the face of the threat to 600,000 American jobs in the newspaper, retail, printing, and publishing industries, PIA joined forces with a broad and diverse coalition to pursue all available avenues to advocate that public officials help put an end to the tariffs. Results included a petition signed by more than 11,000 Americans from all 50 states. More than 150 members of Congress expressed opposition to the tariffs with letters to key Administration officials, testimony delivered before the ITC, or co-sponsorship of legislation in the House and Senate. In addition, both the Teamsters and the Communication Workers of America wrote letters opposing the tariffs. I want to personally thank all of you who took time out of your daily operational roles to weigh in with the Trump Administration, Congress, and the ITC to urge the outcome decided today. Together, we can and will show just how strongly #PrintPowersAmerica.
With a victory under our belt on uncoated groundwood paper tariffs, PIA is still actively monitoring the impact of steel, aluminum and retaliatory tariffs on its member companies. To that end, please join us tomorrow for The New World of Tariffs: Navigating the Process as a Downstream Customer webinar.
Printing Industries of America will be hosting a webinar tomorrow, Thursday, August 30, 2018 at 2:00pm EDT on The New World of Tariffs: Navigating the Process as a Downstream Customer discussing the complex world of trade policy and how downstream customers, like printing companies, can be left feeling confused or ignored by the tariff process. The webinar is free to PIA members and $29.00 for non-members. Click here to register for more information or to register.