ITC Votes Unanimously Against Newsprint Tariff

PostPress

Printing Industries of America (PIA), Warrendale, Pennsylvania, has announced that the US International Trade Commission (ITC) has unanimously ruled to terminate duties currently being applied to uncoated groundwood paper, or newsprint, imports from Canada. This decision ends the tariff, and funds collected to date will be reversed over a period of three to six months.

Newsprint used by US newspapers and commercial printers consists of two-thirds of uncoated groundwood paper. The spike in the cost of paper prompted harm across the industry — and forced many local newspapers to scale back reporting and reduce the number of editions they publish. The tariffs also repressed demand by small businesses that use printed advertising inserts and flyers to reach customers.

PIA joined forces with a broad and diverse coalition to pursue all available avenues to advocate that public officials help put an end to the tariffs. Results included a petition signed by more than 11,000 Americans from all 50 states. More than 150 members of Congress expressed opposition to the tariffs with letters to key administration officials, testimony delivered before the ITC or co-sponsorship of legislation in the House and Senate. In addition, both the Teamsters and the Communication Workers of America wrote letters opposing the tariffs.

For more information, visit www.printing.org.