Kitimat taking wait and see approach on U.S. steel and aluminum tariffs

The District of Kitimat is playing the waiting game when it comes to steel and aluminum tariffs that have been announced by the U.S. government.

Kitimat is home to a smelter run by Rio Tinto Alcan, which produces aluminum.

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“Right now, it’s more questions than answers, but we’re always, of course, always concerned about the viability and the ongoing operations of the smelter,” Mayor Phil Germuth said.

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It’s a waiting game to see how the tariffs will affect them, he added.

“They have, you know, there’s just over 1,000 people; 1,000 workers, and it’s pretty much one of the only industries in B.C, that’s been going 24/7 for more than 60 years. So it’s no doubt it’s a massive asset not only to Kitimat, but of course to all of B.C.,” Germuth said.

They mayor said discussions will be had with stakeholders once it’s confirmed whether or not Canada will be affected by the tariffs.

“At this time there’s more questions than answers. So until we actually see exactly what it entails, it’s pretty hard to speak on it,” he said.

Seventy-five per cent of the company’s aluminum production from Kitimat and Quebec is sent to the U.S.