USTR Statement on Canadian Aluminum

09/15/2020

Washington, DC –  After consultations with the Canadian government, the United States has determined that trade in non-alloyed, unwrought aluminum is likely to normalize in the last four months of 2020, with imports declining sharply from the surges experienced earlier in the year.  Average monthly imports are expected to decline 50 percent from the monthly average in the period of January through July.  Accordingly, the United States will modify the terms of the 10 percent tariff imposed in August on imports of Canadian non-alloyed unwrought aluminum. 

The United States expects that shipments of non-alloyed, unwrought aluminum from Canada for the remainder of 2020 will be no greater than the following monthly volumes:
 

Based on these expectations, the United States will resume duty-free treatment of non-alloyed, unwrought aluminum retroactive to September 1, 2020.  Six weeks after the end of any month during this period, the United States will determine whether actual shipments met expectations.  If actual shipments exceeded 105 percent of the expected volume for any month during the four-month period, then the United States will impose the 10 percent tariff retroactively on all shipments made in that month. 

If shipments in any month exceed the expected volume, the United States expects that shipments in the next month will decline by a corresponding amount. 

In addition to the forgoing, if imports exceed 105 percent of the expected volume in any month the United States may re-impose the 10 percent tariff going forward.

The United States will consult with the Canadian government at the end of the year to review the state of the aluminum trade in light of trade patterns during the four-month period and expected market conditions in 2021.
 

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Below please find links to an updated WorkReadyNH Information Sessions schedule as well as the Fall/Winter class schedule. 

WorkReadyNH Information Sessions schedule - September.pdf

Fall Winter Schedule.pub.pdf

WorkReady NH Brochure (1).pdf

The info sessions last approximately 30 minutes and anyone can register for them by clicking on the link in the flyer. 

Please note that they have WorkReadyNH class offerings in the morning, afternoon and evenings and the schedule is staggered to be able to better meet the needs of potential participants. 

Please feel free to share this information with anyone that may be interested in learning more about the WorkReadyNH program

Concord, NH — Today, New Hampshire Employment Security released the August 2020 jobs report which shows an over-the-month increase of 14,270 employed individuals, marking a 1.5 percent decline in New Hampshire’s unemployment rate from July to August. August's 6.5 percent unemployment rate represents an increase of 3,030 individuals in New Hampshire’s labor force for a total of 737,420.

Following release of the report, Governor Chris Sununu issued the following statement:

"Thanks to our measured approach, New Hampshire has been able to reopen safely and responsibly, ensuring that businesses across the Granite State can remain open," said Governor Chris Sununu. "Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we have made millions available in relief aid to assist businesses and individuals - from the Main Street Relief Fund, Self-Employed Livelihood Fund, to expanded unemployment benefits. Today's labor report shows that our approach has paid off and New Hampshire remains on track to returning to the historic economic highs we enjoyed prior to the onset of COVID-19."

September 9, 2020

New England border state governors warn of harm to American manufacturers
 
Maine Governor Janet Mills, New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu and Vermont Governor Phil Scott are calling on President Donald Trump to reverse the re-imposition of a 10% tariff on imports of non-alloyed unwrought aluminum from Canada, citing the negative impact on manufacturers and supply chain businesses in northern New England.

“Businesses, big and small, have built complex, integrated supply chains in aerospace, information technology, construction materials, food systems and more,” the governors said in their letter. “We strongly believe that this stance regarding Canadian aluminum will only hurt American manufacturers. It is time to look at solutions to elevate commerce on both sides of the border and not penalize key industries.”

In a letter sent to the President Tuesday (PDF), the governors highlighted the longstanding bilateral trade relationship between New England and Canada, which was strengthened by the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) that went into effect this summer. About half of all trade for Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine companies is conducted with Canada.

The tariff will drastically raise costs and reduce competitiveness for aluminum-consuming industries in New England, disrupting manufacturing and technical production supply chains. Ultimately, artificially inflated costs will be passed on to consumers who are already struggling with the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Canada and New England share more than just a border, we are allies, business partners, colleagues and family,” the governors added. “The important trade that we have shared throughout our history has formed co-dependent and mutually beneficial bonds that need to stay intact for us to all succeed in this partnership.”

If you are you are interested in  having a SBA staff member participate in a virtual staff  or organizational meeting -  contact Miguel Moralez to setup a date and time.  

Miguel Moralez
Economic Development Specialist
New Hampshire District Office
U.S. Small Business Administration 603-225-1601  Miguel.Moralez@SBA.gov

Do you want to meet,  and learn how the NH SBA staff can assist you and your small business?

SBA NH – Webinar Wednesdays are being held a 9am each week and the link is available on our latest email newsletter

September continues to keep the heat on learning opportunities!

• See more details in the latest email newsletter  that also gives registration info for lots of online learning happening in September.
• You can also check out the workshop schedule  on the NH SBA website.

The Maine Department of Economic & Community Development (DECD) in partnership with the Maine Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) will provide grants of up to $5,000 for businesses with five or fewer employees, with an owner whose income is in the low to moderate range as defined by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

How to Apply?

Funds are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Business owners must meet with a Maine SBDC business advisor to determine eligibility and submit an application. Connect with a business advisor here.

How can the grant be used? 

Businesses may use the grant money for working capital which includes fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills that can’t be paid due to the disaster’s impact. 

How much can I apply for?

Businesses can apply for grants up to $5,000. You must demonstrate revenue loss as a direct consequence of COVID-19. Funds cannot duplicate those received from other federal, state, or local programs (including other CDBG programs). 

The State of Maine plans to use CARES Act relief funding to help our economy recover from the impacts of the global pandemic by supporting Maine-based businesses and non-profit organizations through an Economic Recovery Grant Program. The funding originates from the federal Coronavirus Relief Fund and will be awarded in the form of grants to directly alleviate the disruption of operations suffered by Maine’s small businesses and non-profits as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Maine Department of Economic & Community Development has been working closely with affected Maine organizations since the beginning of this crisis and has gathered feedback from all sectors on the current challenges.

Many Maine businesses and non-profits have not been able to access existing sources of relief funding and so have “fallen through the cracks” and need help in order to remain viable. Some of these businesses are from sectors hardest hit from the global pandemic, including those who remained closed for longer periods of time, businesses that have not yet re-opened, businesses that rely on seasonal cash flows, and businesses with decreased revenues due to declines in consumer spending or declining global markets. This program is not meant to be exclusive and acknowledges that nearly every industry sector in Maine has experienced a decrease in revenue.

The money available for these grants cannot wholly replace or repair the economic damage this pandemic has caused. Our narrow mission is to ensure that each dollar has at least a small, direct impact on supporting Maine businesses, Maine non-profit organizations, and Maine’s economy.

For more information, or to apply, click HERE

Curious about what a Chamber of Commerce is, and how your business can benefit from becoming a member? 

Read The Value of Chambers of Commerce for Businesses at https://www.onlinemba.com/resources/chambers-of-commerce/

Governor Janet Mills issued the following statement reminding Maine small businesses and non-profits to apply for the State’s $200 million Maine Economic Recovery Grant Program ahead of the application deadline. Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. EST tomorrow, September 9, 2020.

“With the deadline quickly approaching, I encourage small businesses and non-profits across Maine to consider applying for the Maine Economic Recovery Grant Program,” said Governor Mills. “While we know these grants cannot wholly replace or repair the economic damage caused by this pandemic, we want to ensure that as many small businesses and non-profits as possible are able to access every dollar they can to support themselves as we move into the fall.”

Maine small businesses and non-profits interested in applying for the program can do so at the Department of Economic and Community’s website. The website also includes additional information and question and answers.

HRCU Donates “Amazing Masks” Book by Rochester Teacher to Local Schools & Businesses

Rochester, NH – HRCU has donated copies of the book “Amazing Masks” written by William Allen School 2nd Grade Teacher Jennifer Brock, to Rochester Elementary schools, as well as, local pediatric offices, dentists, daycares, and the Rochester Library.

“The goal of Amazing Masks is to help ensure that our most precious resource, our children, are as emotionally prepared as possible as they enter the upcoming school year and the new normal of wearing masks. The hope is this book will ease anxiety, create smiles and happiness, and make the return to school a little easier. We are thrilled at the support we have received from HRCU. We cannot thank them enough for supporting our communities,” stated Brock.

While donating the books to the Rochester School District, HRCU also donated Staples gift cards to be used to provide school supplies for students that may be in need.

“As the Superintendent of Schools in Rochester, I am so fortunate to have community partners like HRCU. Their support has never waned even during the pandemic and our school community is deeply appreciative of HRCU’s constant support to our students, staff and families”, said Kyle Repucci, Superintendent of Schools for SAU 54.

Todd Civin, of Civin Media Relations and Publishing Services, the publisher of Amazing Masks, also donated backpacks with supplies through the program “KushCares Children in the Community”.

“I am thrilled to find a company like HRCU to supplement what we are doing for children in Southern NH. To work with a group who has similar goals regarding children in our communities is especially exciting. We hope to partner on additional joint ventures in the future”, said Civin, who also is the Director for KushCares Children in the Community.

You can purchase your own copy of Amazing Masks at: www.civinmediarelations.com/product-page/amazing-masks-by-jennifer-brock

Holy Rosary Credit Union - HRCU is a state-chartered and federally insured community credit union serving the New Hampshire community since its inception in 1962 and now York County Maine. With several locations and 24,000 members throughout the seacoast and beyond, HRCU prides itself on helping its members achieve their financial goals through convenient, up-to-date services and a compassionate, personalized approach.

(L-R) Saundra MacDonald, SAU 54 Assistant Superintendent of Schools, Leah Taylor, HRCU Director of Financial Education, Kyle Repucci, SAU 54 Superintendent of Schools