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.

Want to track the upstream and downstream forces affecting Manufacturing? Don’t miss this week’s updates in Mining and Oil & Gas.

Dates: 2025-08-10 to 2025-08-16

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🇨🇦 Canadian Federal GR News
• 🇺🇸 US Federal GR News
• 🗺️ Canadian Provincial GR News
• 💬 Government Consultations
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Canadian Federal GR News

Canadian International Trade Tribunal Initiates Inquiries into Steel and Paper Imports

The Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) has initiated a preliminary injury inquiry into oil country tubular goods imported from Mexico, the Philippines, Türkiye, South Korea, and the United States, following complaints from EVRAZ Inc. NA Canada and Welded Tube of Canada Corp. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is investigating alleged dumping by large steel producers, with a preliminary determination scheduled for November 2025. In a separate announcement, the Tribunal determined there is sufficient indication that dumped and subsidized thermal paper rolls from China are causing injury to the domestic industry, leading to continued investigation by CBSA. The Tribunal has also commenced an expiry review regarding anti-dumping orders on hot-rolled carbon steel plate and high-strength low-alloy plate from Ukraine; decisions on whether a resumption or continuation of dumping is likely are expected in early 2026. For steel strapping imports from China, Türkiye, South Korea, and Vietnam, the CBSA has extended the preliminary investigation phase due to case complexity, moving the decision deadline to September 24, 2025. These developments have prompted requests from interested parties for participation and filings per Special Import Measures Act requirements.

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

Ottawa Advances Green Skills Training for Skilled Trades Workforce

Employment and Social Development Canada has announced nearly $13 million in new funding under the Sustainable Jobs stream of the Union Training and Innovation Program, part of the Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy. The investment will support projects focused on upskilling approximately 17,350 workers nationwide to meet evolving job requirements in green construction and advanced maintenance, including training for powerline technicians in drone applications and new green truck maintenance courses for transport mechanics. Unions and industry councils across numerous provinces are set to deliver this hands-on training, targeting both unionized and non-unionized apprentices and journeypersons. Among funded initiatives are programs facilitating virtual reality green training and advancing skills in commercial building envelope construction and renewable energy systems. These actions supplement ongoing investments to address skills gaps and labor shortages in net-zero construction and support industry adaptation to lower-carbon operations.

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

Canada Announces $25 Million for Electric Vehicle Charging and Clean Fleet Innovation

Natural Resources Canada is investing over $25 million in 33 projects to expand electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure and modernize freight and heavy-duty transportation. Funding will support installation of more than 850 EV chargers across key locations, including workplaces and multi-unit buildings, under the Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program. Additional projects funded through the Energy Innovation Program and Green Freight Program will focus on technologies to improve operational challenges for electric fleets, reduce operating and fuel costs for transportation operators, and address competitive pressures within the Canadian auto sector. These investments are part of an effort to make zero-emission transport increasingly accessible and cost-effective for both consumers and commercial vehicle operators.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Canada Reaffirms Commitment to Global Plastic Pollution Treaty Amid Stalled Geneva Talks

Minister of Environment and Climate Change Julie Dabrusin issued a statement on August 15 following the conclusion of the resumed fifth Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution (INC-5.2) in Geneva. While a global treaty was not finalized, Canada reiterated its support for a binding agreement addressing the full lifecycle of plastics and continued participation in negotiations as part of the "High Ambition Coalition". The Canadian delegation, including provincial and Indigenous representatives, advocated for science-based policies and integration of Indigenous rights within treaty outcomes. Domestically, Canada remains focused on implementing a circular economy for plastics, advancing producer responsibility, and investing in solutions to minimize environmental and industrial pollution across the sector. Technical briefings are being made available to industry stakeholders.

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

Manufacturing Sector Sales Post Modest Gains; Transportation Equipment Sees Decline

Statistics Canada’s Monthly Survey of Manufacturing for June 2025 reported a 0.3% rise in overall sales, attributed to increased sales in petroleum, coal, and food products. Conversely, the transportation equipment subsector experienced the largest decrease. In the same period, wholesale trade excluding petroleum and oilseed products rose by 0.7% to $84.7 billion. These figures are part of ongoing national manufacturing and wholesale trade monitoring.

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

National Shipbuilding Strategy Marks 15 Years with New Domestic Steel Supply Partnerships

Public Services and Procurement Canada marked the 15th anniversary of the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS) with an event at Seaspan’s Vancouver Shipyards. Minister Joël Lightbound announced a July 2025 memorandum of understanding between Seaspan, Stigterstaal Canada, and Algoma Steel, aiming to evaluate and source Canadian steel for new federal vessel construction, including a polar icebreaker. NSS contracts since 2012 are estimated to have contributed nearly $38.7 billion to Canada’s GDP and created or maintained approximately 21,400 jobs annually. The federal government remains focused on developing domestic supply chains, supporting Canadian manufacturing in the marine sector, and maintaining a stable workload for shipyards and suppliers.

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

PrairiesCan Invests Over $4 Million in Saskatchewan Manufacturing, Technology, and Agri-food Innovation

Prairies Economic Development Canada is providing more than $4.2 million through the Business Scale-up and Productivity and Regional Innovation Ecosystems programs to support manufacturing, technology commercialization, and food processing in Saskatchewan. Notable projects include new automation equipment for local grain bin manufacturing at Venlaw Manufacturing Ltd., expanded co-packing abilities at the Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre Inc., and support for accelerated breeding at the Global Institute for Food Security. Ag-West Bio Inc. also secured funds to continue promoting value-added agriculture. The investments are directed towards enhancing local supply chains, increasing productivity, and supporting export market development.

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

Saskatchewan AI Innovation Supported by Federal Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative

Prairies Economic Development Canada announced $1.3 million in support for AI-driven projects in Saskatchewan under the Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative and Business Scale-up and Productivity program. Ground Truth Agriculture Inc. is developing a benchtop and on-combine AI-based grain grading system, while Greenwave Innovations Inc. will enhance their energy monitoring platform for improved equipment maintenance and resource use in commercial buildings. Offstreet Technology Inc. will update guest parking registration systems for expanded markets. The initiatives are intended to accelerate innovation and commercial adoption in manufacturing, agriculture, and energy efficiency.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission President Outlines Regulatory Efficiency Priorities for Nuclear Sector

In remarks delivered at the International Conference on Structural Mechanics in Reactor Technology, CNSC President Pierre Tremblay described the agency’s ongoing work in modernizing regulatory approaches, identifying process efficiencies, and preparing for anticipated new technologies and increased licensing activity, particularly regarding small modular reactors (SMRs). The address noted continued international cooperation, including with U.S. and UK nuclear regulators, and outlined steps for Red Tape Review, thematic regulatory reviews, and prioritization strategies to meet evolving energy sector needs. The CNSC committed to maintaining robust oversight as construction and deployment of advanced nuclear technologies increases across Canadian provinces.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services Price Index Released for Q2 2025

Statistics Canada published new data on the Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services Price Index for the second quarter of 2025. The index provides updated price information for professional services frequently utilized in industrial and manufacturing development.

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

Building Permit Values Fall in June, Electric Power Price Index Updated

Statistics Canada reported a 9.0% decrease in the total value of building permits issued nationwide for June 2025, dropping to $12.0 billion. The Electric Power Selling Price Index for June is also now available, providing data relevant to manufacturers assessing energy cost trends.

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

US Federal GR News

EPA Extends Deadlines for Emission Standards in Key Industrial Sectors; Hearings Scheduled

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has extended compliance deadlines for interim final rules governing emissions from the oil and natural gas sector, integrated iron and steel manufacturing, and coke ovens. The extensions apply to deadlines for comments and compliance, with virtual public hearings scheduled for September 2–4, 2025, and comment periods closing October 1–6, depending on sector. These rules impact standards of performance and hazardous air pollutant controls for new and existing sources in the listed industries. The EPA cited public interest and requests for additional hearings in its decision to adopt the new timetable.

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

White House Maintains Tariff Suspension on Chinese Imports as Trade Negotiations Continue

President Trump issued an executive order on August 11, 2025, extending the suspension of additional ad valorem tariffs on imports from China until November 10, 2025. The action maintains a 10% reciprocal tariff rate while broader U.S. tariff measures against China remain in effect. The suspension aims to support ongoing discussions between the two governments surrounding trade imbalances, market reciprocity, and supply chain security. The order directs agencies to take the necessary actions to extend implementation, with costs covered by the U.S. Trade Representative’s office.

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

Commerce Department and ITC Advance AD/CVD Proceedings on Steel, Glass, and Component Imports

The U.S. International Trade Commission and Department of Commerce issued several key updates on ongoing trade remedy actions. Final phase scheduling was announced for countervailing and antidumping investigations covering float glass products from China and Malaysia, as well as active anode material from China. The Department of Commerce finalized antidumping duty margins for certain hot-rolled steel flat products from Japan, with Nippon Steel Corporation receiving a 29.70% rate and Tokyo Steel Manufacturing Co. a 0% rate for the 2022–2023 review period. The Department also issued AD orders on brake drums from China and Türkiye, with Chinese exporters facing margins up to 160.79% and Turkish exporters up to 149.29%. A series of duty and circumvention inquiries are ongoing for additional steel and glass products.

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

White House and Major Corporations Announce Large-Scale U.S. Manufacturing and R&D Investments

Under President Trump’s "Made in America" agenda, a series of significant corporate investments were announced, including Apple’s $600 billion plan over four years for domestic manufacturing and workforce training, and GE Appliances’ $3 billion expansion for advanced manufacturing facilities in five states. Major semiconductor and pharmaceutical investments from Micron Technology, IBM, TSMC, Johnson & Johnson, and AstraZeneca were also detailed. The White House Office of Federal Procurement Policy unveiled an overhaul of the Federal Acquisition Regulation, streamlining commercial buying procedures and removing outdated bureaucratic requirements to promote efficiency in federal contracting. Agencies are now encouraged to use government-wide contracts for common goods and services.

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

International Trade Commission Initiates Duty Investigations on Key Manufacturing Inputs and Products

A number of new investigations were initiated for potential dumping and subsidization affecting a range of manufacturing goods. The Department of Commerce made a final affirmative countervailing duty determination on sol gel alumina-based ceramic abrasive grains from China, imposing rates of 165.05% for producers. Overhead door counterbalance torsion springs from China were also subject to a final determination, with a 257.46% subsidy rate for certain companies. High purity dissolving pulp imports from Brazil and Norway are under preliminary antidumping and countervailing investigations, while new countervailing and less-than-fair-value investigations target crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells and modules from India, Indonesia, and Laos, supported by industry petitions regarding material injury from subsidized imports.

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

Canadian Provincial GR News

British Columbia Invests $35 Million in Clean Industry Projects

The B.C. government has allocated $35 million through the CleanBC Industry Fund to industrial projects focused on adoption of cleaner technologies, including biocarbon use in metal production and facility electrification to support reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

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

Ontario Launches $1 Billion Financing for Sectors Hit by U.S. Tariffs

The Ontario government is offering up to $1 billion in loans through the Protect Ontario Financing Program to support businesses in steel, aluminum, and auto sectors affected by higher U.S. tariffs, supplementing existing federal programs.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

Ontario Invests $2.8 Million in Skilled Trades and Manufacturing Training in Durham

Ontario announced more than $2.8 million in grants from the Skills Development Fund to support training in construction, manufacturing, and skilled trades jobs in Durham Region.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

Alberta Rejects Federal EV Mandate and Continues Advocacy on Canola Trade Dispute

Alberta publicly opposed the federal electric vehicle mandate set for 2026, citing feasibility and economic concerns, while also responding to new Chinese tariffs on Canadian canola and calling for federal engagement to support affected provincial producers.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca, Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

Quebec Amends Environmental Law Affecting Municipal Regulation Compatibility

Recent amendments to Quebec’s environmental statutes update eight laws—including the Law on Environmental Quality—aimed at aligning provincial and municipal regulations.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.quebec.ca

Government Consultations

Health Canada Consultation on Classification of Human-Derived Exosome Topicals

Health Canada launched a consultation on August 14 regarding the classification and regulation of topical products containing human-derived exosomes, human extracellular vesicles, or human cell-conditioned media, seeking stakeholder comments by October 28.

Sources: Canadian Government Consultations: www.canada.ca

CFIA Consultation: Proposed New Livestock Feed Ingredients and Amended Pea Solubles Description

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is seeking feedback on new single ingredient feed descriptions for pea processing residues and on a new and amended description for pea solubles used in livestock feed; comments are due by September 12.

Sources: Canadian Government Consultations: inspection.canada.ca, Canadian Government Consultations: inspection.canada.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Fewer firms report U.S. tariff hit as manufacturing sales edge up in June: Canadian manufacturing sales see a modest rise for June amid shifting trade landscape.
• GE Appliances to invest over US$3 billion in U.S. manufacturing push: The company’s plan includes expansion and modernization of multiple American facilities.
• Countries deadlocked on plastic production and chemicals as talks on a global treaty draw to a close: Plastic treaty negotiations stall without agreement.
• Plastic pollution talks go into overtime as countries push for late breakthrough: Negotiators seek consensus against the deadline in Geneva.
• Canada didn’t push for plastic production cap in talks on global treaty: Report details Canada’s negotiation position on production limits.
• Failure of talks for plastic treaty turn focus back to reduce, reuse, recycle. How’s that going?: Treaty deadlock urges renewed attention on existing waste strategies.
• Can the ZEV mandate survive political pressure and industry objections?: Analysis of the future of Canada’s zero-emission vehicle mandate.
• Biomanufacturing is entering a new era and its future depends on the talent: Exploration of workforce and innovation needs in advanced biomanufacturing.

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