NEWS ntario Glass and Metal Association president, Blake Sanders (SpandrelTech), released the following statement outlining the association’s position on the imposition on tariffs by the U.S. and Canadian govern-ments. This statement was issued at the end of March, before Trump’s April 2 “Liberation Day” announcement that left Canada off the list of countries subject to additional tariffs. Canadian exports to the U.S. that lack “coun-try of origin” designation under the CUSMA free trade agreement are still subject to 25 percent tariffs (10 percent for potash and energy) – the so-called “fentanyl tariffs.” Ca-nadian aluminum and steel exports are tariffed an additional 25 percent using an even more bogus national security rationale. Canadian retaliatory tariffs continue to be applied to about $30 billion of American imports, includ-ing doors, windows, fenestration framing, wood building products, powered hand tools and door and window hardware. However, Canada’s exemption from additional tariffs on “Liberation Day,” means the immediate threat of more retaliatory tariffs, including tariffs on float glass, has been lifted for now. Sanders’ message to members follows: It is with great frustration that I write this article. As the president of the Ontario Glass and Metal Association (OGMA) and a fellow industry member, I am with all of you in trying to navigate the economic trade war between Canada and the United States of America. The OGMA expresses deep concern over the recent imposition of tariffs by the U.S. on our products. These tariffs threaten the livelihoods of countless workers across Canada and disrupt trade relations between two longstanding allies and partners. Canada’s glass and metal sectors have a rich history of innovation, quality and sustainability, and we are proud to contribute to the global economy. We believe that fair and open trade benefits both nations, promoting growth, job cre-ation and a stronger economic partnership. The imposition of tariffs undermines these principles and threatens the competitiveness of our industry in an increasingly interconnected global market. Our industry is committed to working closely with the Canadian government and our U.S. coun-terparts to find constructive solutions that protect 6 June 2025 | GLASS CANADA INDUSTRY OGMA responds to U.S. tariffs O COMING EVENTS June 10 -12 GPD Finland Tampere, Finland gpd.fi June 16 -18 FGIA Summer Conference Online fgia-online.org Nov. 4 -6 GlassBuild America Orlando, Fla. glassbuildamerica.com PHOTO: © BEST / ADOBE STOCK jobs, promote innovation and ensure mutual pros-perity. We remain hopeful that this issue will be addressed through diplomatic channels, focusing on collaboration rather than barriers that hurt workers, businesses and consumers on both sides of the border. We urge both governments to continue to engage in dialogue and work toward a fair resolu-tion that strengthens the Canada-U.S. trade re-lationship and ensures that Canadian businesses can continue to compete on a level playing field. The American government has placed tariffs on aluminum and steel exports in the amount of 25 percent. Aluminum and steel are vital materi-als used by numerous industries, including auto-motive, aerospace, construction, and technology. The imposition of reciprocal tariffs disrupts the trade flow and undermines Canada’s longstand-ing position as a global leader in aluminum and steel production. It places Canadian aluminum and steel producers at a significant disadvantage while increasing costs for downstream indus-tries that rely on access to competitively priced materials. We urge the government of Canada to take immediate and effective action to address these tariffs. Canada’s aluminum industry has a strong record of sustainability, innovation, and meeting the highest global standards. We encourage the Canadian government to engage diplomatically with our trading partners to remove or reduce these reciprocal tariffs, ensuring a fair and level playing field for Canadian businesses. While we work through this trade war, we want you to remember that the OGMA stands with all of you. We will work with government agencies to try to keep the negative economic impacts to a minimum. With uncertainty at an all-time high, I encourage you to contact me or any OGMA board member with questions or concerns. June 19 Fenestration Canada Tour: Groupe Bellemare Trois-Rivieres, Que. fenestrationcanada.ca Sept. 10 FGIA Western Region Summit Online fgia-online.org Sept. 18 OGMA Fall Golf Tottenham, Ont. ogma.ca Sept. 29 -Oct. 2 NGA Glass Conference Ypsilanti, Mi. glass.org Oct. 6 -9 FGIA Fall Conference Indianapolis, Ind. fgia-online.org Oct. 20 -21 Top Glass West Calgary, Alta. topglasswest.ca Oct. 24 OGMA Rockwool Tour Milton, Ont. ogma.ca
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