Canada Confirms Bans On Aluminium, Steel Imports From Russia

The government of Canada on Friday announced a ban on imports of Russian aluminium and steel products, a move which is aimed at denying Moscow revenues to fund its war in Ukraine.

The imports were worth almost Can$250 million (US$180 million) in 2021, according to the latest government data.The ban comes as a 200 percent tariff on Russian aluminium imports announced last month by the United States came into effect, and after the EU already blocked Russian steel products last year.In a statement which was obtained by Africa Today News, New York, Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland said; ‘Canada, and our partners, have already sanctioned the Russian Central Bank and capped the price of Russian oil and gas’.

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‘And now, we are ensuring (President Vladimir) Putin cannot pay for his war by selling aluminium and steel in Canada, in coordination with action taken by the United States today’ he added.

The ban covers Russian unwrought aluminium, aluminium sheets, and finished products including containers and other household items made from aluminium.

Also prohibited are all primary Russian steel products, including iron and non-alloy steel, semi-finished, and finished products such as tubes and pipes.

Most of Canada’s steel imports come from the United States, representing nearly 45 percent of US steel exports, while almost 90 percent of Canada’s aluminium production is shipped to its southern neighbour.

In another report. the United States will announce new aid to war-ravaged Ukraine on Friday, consisting mainly of ammunition to help it fight against Russia’s invasion force, the White House said.

“Tomorrow, just unilaterally, the US will have another round of assistance for Ukraine,” National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said Thursday.’It will include mostly ammunitions and munitions that Ukrainians will need for the systems that they already have,’ notably the Himars precision rocket launchers, he added.

Kirby did not, however, provide further details.

Africa Today News, New York

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