WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Portland Cement Association (PCA), which represents America’s cement manufacturers, has released a statement in opposition of U.S. President Donald Trump’s potential imposition of tariffs on Canada and Mexico.
While the tariffs are on hold for now for both countries for about a month, association president and CEO Mike Ireland warned the Trump administration about the potential impacts, should the 25 per cent tariffs eventually be imposed.
“While the U.S. cement industry agrees with the president’s objectives of bolstering American manufacturing, increasing border security, and advancing the country’s energy independence, the industry believes 25 percent tariffs on cement imported from Canada and Mexico could adversely affect energy and national security while delaying infrastructure projects and raising their costs,” a statement reads.
“The availability of affordable cement and concrete is vital to meet our country’s infrastructure needs and for the oil and gas sector’s expansion. Mexico and Canada play a crucial role in stabilizing U.S. supply, so we appreciate that the administration is open to negotiations and taking a flexible approach to implementing trade policy.
“PCA looks forward to working with the Trump administration to achieve its manufacturing priorities and ensure potential tariffs do not result in unintended consequences.”
According to the PCA, Canada and Mexico account for 27 per cent of U.S. cement imports and nearly seven per cent of U.S. cement consumption. The U.S. imported five million metric tons (MMT) of cement from Canada and two MMTs from Mexico in 2023.
Texas and Arizona each represents roughly 30 per cent of Mexican imports’ port of entry followed by California and Florida (20 per cent each), reflecting five per cent of cement consumption in these states.
Canadian imports enter through New York (28 per cent), Washington (14 per cent) and New England (11 per cent) with the remaining 20 per cent spread across Montana, North Dakota and other Great Lakes states.
Canadian imports may account for up to 36 per cent of cement consumption in these combined states, the statement adds.
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