Good morning! This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly roundup of regulatory developments, legislative discussions, political announcements and other government-related news concerning manufacturing, e.g. textile and apparel, chemical, electronics, wood and paper, metals, plastics and rubber, packaging, and machining. Every Monday, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

Dates: 2025-06-08 to 2025-06-14

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🇨🇦 Canadian Federal GR News
• 🇺🇸 US Federal GR News
• 🗺️ Canadian Provincial GR News
• 📱 Public Officials' Social Media
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Canadian Federal GR News

CBSA and CITT Initiate Investigations on Chinese Thermal Paper Rolls

On June 12, 2025, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) initiated investigations into the alleged dumping and subsidizing of thermal paper rolls imported from China, following a complaint by McDermid Paper Converters Limited, Media Cash Register Inc., and Custom Paper Ltd. The complainants cited increased dumped and subsidized imports as the cause of lost sales, market share, and profitability for Canadian converters. The Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) launched a preliminary injury inquiry on June 13, 2025, with a decision expected by August 11. If injury is found, the CBSA will continue its investigation and make preliminary determinations by September 10. The proceedings are conducted under the Special Import Measures Act, which currently supports 158 active special import measures across Canada. These actions are intended to address perceived price undercutting and ensure fair competition in the Canadian market for industrial papers.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca, Announcements: www.canada.ca

Looking to elevate and streamline your approach to government relations with more data-driven solutions? Queen Street Analytics is here to help you achieve your goals faster, smarter, and more effectively. Let's start the conversation. Reach out at contact@queenstreetanalytics.com to learn how we can support you.

Government of Canada Funds Advanced Window Manufacturing Expansion

On June 9, 2025, the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario announced a $1 million investment in Nordik Windows Inc. to support the commercialization of a new line of hurricane-resistant, energy-efficient windows. The new 104,000-square-foot facility in Vars, Ontario, is set to increase production capacity and utilize recycled materials. The funding will facilitate the acquisition and installation of advanced manufacturing equipment, targeting export markets and aiming to divert waste from landfills through recycled content.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Preliminary Injury Order Continued on Thermoelectric Containers from China

On June 2, 2025, the Canadian International Trade Tribunal continued its order concerning the dumping and subsidizing of certain thermoelectric containers from China. The decision was issued as part of an expiry review under the Special Import Measures Act, maintaining existing duties and measures imposed since September 2019. The order remains in place without amendment, affecting imports of specific thermoelectric containers and providing ongoing protection for Canadian manufacturers operating in this segment.

Sources: Gazette, Part I: www.gazette.gc.ca

StatsCan: Manufacturing Sales Decline 2.8% in April

Statistics Canada reported on June 13, 2025, that Canadian manufacturing sales decreased 2.8% in April, marking the third consecutive monthly decline. The downturn was primarily attributed to lower sales in petroleum and coal products, motor vehicles, and primary metals. Excluding the petroleum and coal product subsector, sales were still down 1.8%. The sustained decline may be relevant for sectors reliant on these supply chains and related industrial inputs.

Sources: Open Government Data Set: www.statcan.gc.ca

Industrial Capacity Utilization Edges Up in Q1 2025

Canadian industries operated at 80.1% of their production capacity in the first quarter of 2025, up from 79.7% in the previous quarter, according to Statistics Canada on June 13. Despite the modest increase, the figure follows a downward revision for Q4 2024, suggesting continued tightness in manufacturing operations.

Sources: Open Government Data Set: www.statcan.gc.ca

Federal-Provincial Collaboration on Labour Mobility and Internal Trade

On June 12, 2025, federal ministers met with labour partners to discuss Bill C-5, the One Canadian Economy legislation, which seeks to establish a framework for mutual recognition of provincial and territorial licenses and certifications at the federal level. The bill targets the removal of internal trade barriers and aims to create a nationally mobile and adaptable workforce.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

ICE Pact: Trilateral Industrial Collaboration on Icebreaker Capabilities

Representatives from Canada, Finland, and the United States concluded a two-day meeting in Ottawa on June 12, 2025, advancing the Icebreaker Collaboration Effort (ICE Pact). The discussions focused on technical information exchange, workforce development, industry engagement, and R&D in Arctic and polar icebreaking. Delegates reviewed industry feedback collected via Requests for Information and participated in a roundtable with Canadian industry stakeholders. The next in-person meeting is scheduled for fall 2025, with the United States as host.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Minister Joly to Address Industrial Priorities in Montréal

Minister Mélanie Joly is scheduled to participate in a discussion on Canada's economy and industrial priorities at the Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montréal on June 11, 2025. The event is positioned as a forum for dialogue with the business community on industrial policy and competitiveness.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Minister Joly at Canadian Auto Industry Forum

Minister Joly participated in the 2025 Canada Automotive Summit in Vaughan, Ontario, on June 10, 2025. The event included a discussion with Globe and Mail automotive reporter Petrina Gentile and a subsequent media briefing. The focus was on the future of the Canadian automotive sector, with implications for manufacturers and supply chains.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Building Permits Down 6.6% in April

Statistics Canada reported a 6.6% decrease in the total value of building permits issued in April 2025, with the figure falling by $829.6 million to $11.7 billion. This decline could influence demand for construction materials and related manufacturing activity in upcoming months.

Sources: Open Government Data Set: www.statcan.gc.ca

Wages in Canada: Long-Term Trends and Manufacturing

A Statistics Canada release on June 9, 2025, analyzed the evolution of Canadian wages from 1981 to 2024. The report notes the impact of structural changes, such as the decline in manufacturing, increased automation, and rising educational attainment, on wage patterns across the workforce.

Sources: Open Government Data Set: www.statcan.gc.ca

Electric Power Selling Price Index Now Available for April

The Electric Power Selling Price Index for April 2025 was released by Statistics Canada on June 10. The index provides a monthly indicator of electricity price trends, relevant for manufacturers assessing input costs.

Sources: Open Government Data Set: www.statcan.gc.ca

US Federal GR News

U.S. Doubles Steel and Aluminum Tariffs to 50 Percent

On June 3, 2025, President Trump issued a proclamation raising tariffs on imported steel and aluminum and their derivatives from 25% to 50%, effective June 4, 2025. The increased tariffs apply to all countries except the United Kingdom, which remains at 25% under the terms of the U.S.-UK Economic Prosperity Deal. The policy is intended to address continued concerns about excess global steel and aluminum production and its impact on U.S. national security and manufacturing competitiveness. U.S. Customs and Border Protection has been directed to enforce strict compliance, and non-aluminum, non-steel content in imported articles will be subject to separate tariffs. The Secretary of Commerce will monitor import volumes and assess whether further action is needed.

Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov

Trump Signs Law Blocking EPA Waivers for California Vehicle Emissions Standards

On June 12, 2025, President Trump signed into law three joint resolutions (H.J. Res. 87, 88, and 89), disapproving Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rules that granted California waivers to set its own vehicle emissions standards, including Advanced Clean Cars II, Advanced Clean Trucks, and Omnibus Low NOX programs. The action prevents California from imposing nationwide standards for electric vehicles and fuel economy through EPA waivers. The resolutions specify that future, substantially similar waivers will also be prohibited under the Congressional Review Act.

Sources: White House Announcements: www.whitehouse.gov, White House Announcements: www.whitehouse.gov

CFIUS Approves U.S. Steel Acquisition by Nippon Steel with Mitigation Measures

On June 13, 2025, President Trump issued an executive order amending the previous prohibition of Nippon Steel Corporation's proposed acquisition of United States Steel Corporation. While an earlier order by President Biden blocked the transaction over national security concerns, a subsequent de novo review by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) recommended approval contingent on a National Security Agreement (NSA). The transaction may proceed if the NSA is executed and enforced, with CFIUS authorized to monitor compliance. The order grants the President authority to issue further directives if required.

Sources: White House Announcements: www.whitehouse.gov

Micron Announces $200 Billion U.S. Semiconductor Expansion

Micron Technology announced on June 12, 2025, a $200 billion investment to expand chip production in the United States, including a new fabrication plant in Boise, Idaho, and upgrades to the Manassas, Virginia, facility. The project will onshore advanced DRAM technology currently produced in Taiwan and is expected to create up to 90,000 direct and indirect jobs. The announcement follows a series of major investments in the U.S.

Sources: White House Announcements: www.whitehouse.gov

U.S. Continues AD/CVD Orders on Vertical Metal File Cabinets from China

On June 11, 2025, the Department of Commerce published a notice confirming the continuation of antidumping and countervailing duty orders on vertical metal file cabinets from China. The U.S. International Trade Commission determined that revoking these orders would likely lead to renewed dumping, subsidization, and material injury to the U.S. industry. The duties apply to cabinets with bodies made of carbon or alloy steel, and the order remains in force for another five years.

Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov

Canadian Provincial GR News

Nova Scotia Announces Phased Metal Mining Approval Process

Nova Scotia introduced a new phased approach to industrial approvals for metal mining, allowing companies to move projects forward more quickly while maintaining environmental safeguards. The changes are intended to reduce delays and clarify regulatory requirements.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.novascotia.ca

Ontario Launches Hydrogen Industry Initiatives

Ontario announced new measures to support the growth of the low-carbon hydrogen sector, including a pilot for discounted electricity rates for hydrogen producers, expanded regulatory oversight for hydrogen pipelines, and new funding streams targeting grid integration and industrial use.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

Alberta Invests $20 Million in Drilling Technology Accelerator

The Alberta government is allocating over $20 million through Emissions Reduction Alberta to launch the Alberta Drilling Accelerator, a program aimed at advancing drilling technologies for oil, gas, geothermal, and critical minerals.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

B.C. Trade Mission to Asia Yields New Opportunities

British Columbia's 10-day trade mission to Japan, Malaysia, and South Korea focused on clean energy, critical minerals, and advanced manufacturing. The delegation signed agreements and held meetings with Asian business and government leaders to increase trade and investment.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.gov.bc.ca

Public Officials' Social Media

On June 11, 2025, MP Mélanie Joly used her official account to discuss the government's commitment to defending the automotive sector and supporting jobs at the Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association Summit.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP John-Paul Danko stated on June 10, 2025, that 50% U.S. tariffs on Canadian steel are illegal and that the government is consulting with industry stakeholders and steelworkers as negotiations continue.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Michael Guglielmin posted on June 11, 2025, that the federal government has not lifted the industrial carbon tax despite new U.S. tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

On June 9, 2025, MP Ginette Petitpas Taylor mentioned the introduction of a bill intended to eliminate federal barriers to internal trade, describing it as a step toward building a unified Canadian economy.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

On June 10, 2025, MP Terry Sheehan expressed in a media interview and on social media that Canada will stand up to U.S. tariffs and continue to prioritize domestic steel production.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

What We're Reading This Week

• Manufacturing sales in April see biggest monthly drop since 2023 amid U.S. tariffs: Manufacturing sales recorded a significant decline in April as new U.S. tariffs took effect.
• Nova Scotia streamlines metal mining industrial approval process: Nova Scotia introduces a new, phased approach to industrial approvals for mining projects.
• DATA Communications Management Corp. and Atlantic Packaging Products Highlight Reforestation Efforts: Two companies detail their reforestation initiatives in the packaging sector.
• Leading Global Manufacturer Confirms First Batch of Pilot Plant Material Tested is Fumed Silica: A major manufacturer reports successful pilot plant production of fumed silica.
• B.C. trade mission opens opportunities for B.C. products, businesses: B.C.’s premier trade mission to Asia seeks to increase export opportunities for provincial industries.