The US industry association American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) is warning of an escalation in the trade conflict between the US and Canada. According to the association's assessment, retaliatory tariffs on US goods such as wood pulp and paper products could also impact the North American packaging industry.
The supply chains for pulp, paper, packaging and tissue are closely intertwined across the border, explained AF&PA President and CEO Heidi Brock on the occasion of the ongoing trade talks between the two countries. New retaliatory tariffs on US products could therefore cause additional costs and uncertainty for manufacturers, employees and customers on both sides of the border.
Association for a Return to the Negotiating Table
In principle, the AF&PA states that it supports trade policy measures against unfair practices and to strengthen US manufacturing. However, a further escalation of the tariff dispute with Canada could disrupt cross-border supply chains and thus also burden the industry's investments and competitiveness.
„We call on both governments to return to the negotiating table and work on solutions that address legitimate trade concerns without undermining the North American production base or the long-standing partnerships that secure jobs and economic activity across the region, Brock stated.
The AF&PA represents companies in the US forest products, paper and packaging industry. According to the association, the sector employs more than 925,000 people and manufactures products valued at over 435 billion US dollars annually.
Source: American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA)
