US tariffs force closure of paper mill in Témiscaming Quebec

A century-old paper mill in Témiscaming, Quebec, has closed indefinitely after the United States imposed 50 percent tariffs on its products, BBC News reported. The closure puts hundreds of people out of work and leaves the town's primary economic anchor idle. Most of the mill's 360 employees are affected after trade talks between Canada and the United States broke down. [1]

The town of Témiscaming was built over a century ago around the mill and the surrounding forests of pine, birch, spruce, and fir, according to BBC News. The facility sits near the Ottawa River and serves as the main employer for the local community. [1]

As FTMQ News reported earlier, United States President Donald Trump previously rolled back 50 percent tariffs on select Canadian agricultural and forestry products. That decision was made to support Republican Senator Susan Collins during a competitive re-election campaign in Maine. However, trade negotiations between the two nations have remained difficult. [8][9]

Amid ongoing trade tensions with the United States, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney told DW that Canada is seeking closer European Union ties to diversify partnerships beyond the Americas. Carney spoke after holding talks in Montreal with European Union leaders to establish a closer partnership. [2]