The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) is warning that newly announced U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods could disrupt integrated North American supply chains underpinning the pulp, paper, packaging and tissue industries.
In a statement released July 22, AF&PA President and CEO Heidi Brock said the association supports efforts to strengthen U.S. manufacturing and address unfair global trade practices. However, she cautioned that broad tariffs on Canadian goods could create uncertainty for manufacturers that rely on cross-border supply chains.
Integrated supply chains
According to AF&PA, integrated supply chains across North America are essential to the production of pulp, paper, packaging and tissue products and support hundreds of thousands of jobs across the United States.
The association warned that broad tariffs could disrupt these networks at a time when the industry is already competing against unfair global trade practices, non-market economies and concerns over excess capacity, particularly from China.
A targeted trade approach
While reaffirming its support for trade enforcement, AF&PA said U.S. trade policy should remain focused on addressing unfair global practices without undermining North American competitiveness.
The association stressed that supply-chain certainty is critical for companies making long-term investments in U.S. mills, equipment and workers. It urged the Administration to pursue a targeted approach that preserves integrated supply chains supporting U.S. manufacturing, investment and jobs.
The statement adds a U.S. industry perspective to the debate over the proposed tariffs. While Canadian organizations have emphasized export impacts, AF&PA highlights the importance of efficient cross-border supply chains to the long-term strength of U.S. manufacturing.
