Editorial: U.S. fees impact jobs, journalism

An action taken by the U.S. Department of Commerce represents a threat to the financial foundation of local newspapers.

The situation also serves as an example of why trade with Canada and trade with other foreign countries are very different considerations.

In January, the Department of Commerce imposed tariffs ranging from 4.42 to 9.93 percent on uncoated groundwood paper from Canada, which is used by newspapers to print their pages and also by many stores and other businesses that produce inserts carried in newspapers.

The American Forestry Paper Association, which represents 80 percent of U.S. paper manufacturers, has come out in opposition to the higher tariffs.

So have many local and state leaders:

Garry Douglas, president of the North Country Chamber of Commerce: "This is the latest example of a failure to understand our own interests in the context of the U.S.-Canadian economic partnership. We need to stop shooting ourselves in the foot by treating Canada like China. Our economic partnership with Canada is the single greatest force in the North Country economy and holds our greatest opportunities for the future."

National Newspaper Association President Susan Rowell: “We join our colleagues at the News Media Alliance in fighting back against this ill-advised trade action. Instead of protecting American jobs, as the Department of Commerce is mandated to do, it puts in jeopardy the jobs of thousands of people in our industry, the printing industry and related trades and professions. We must make sure Congress understands the gravity of this threat."

Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-Willsboro): “Our North Country economy relies on strong trade with our Canadian neighbors, and these proposed duties would harm the many businesses that rely on these paper products. My district is home to a thriving local press corps that would be unfairly burdened by these costs, harming local journalism and the families across my district that rely on these important organizations.”

U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-New York): “This decision will have a huge and harmful impact on newspapers in every hometown across Upstate New York, so the Department of Commerce should reconsider this decision. This decision is not supported by the domestic paper manufacturing industry, so Commerce should find a new way forward that does not place such an unfair and unwise burden on an already at-risk and extremely vital American industry that provides so many jobs and so much value to New Yorkers from one corner of the state to the other. A diverse and deep media industry – including our hometown newspapers – is fundamental to an informed citizenry, healthy communities and a vibrant democracy."

In March, the Department of Commerce plans to assess antidumping duties that could be even higher than the tariffs already in place. The International Trade Commission will decide in July whether the measures are causing injury or risk of injury to the domestic industry.

The 721 newspapers in New York state have a total print readership of more than 15 million, so the impact of the Commerce Department tariffs is far-reaching. We urge the government to rescind its detrimental action.

Newspapers are the leaders in informing the public, rooting out government corruption and standing up for the public right to know. They need a strong financial picture to continue their essential work.