Decision to reverse newsprint tariffs celebrated

U.S. Rep. Jim Himes said Friday that the tariffs on newsprint — the paper used by newspapers — which were overturned this week had been “punitively imposed” and harmed large and small media companies in the United States.

“The tariffs, some of which were as high as 20 percent, drove up costs for newspapers across the country, especially affecting smaller and local papers without the budget cushion to absorb such a massive increase,” said Himes, a Connecticut Democrat representing the state’s 4th District.

The tariffs were struck down Wednesday by the United States International Trade Commission. Newspaper publishers in Connecticut were happy to hear the news.

“We’re very appreciative of the members of Congress, especially the Connecticut delegation, who helped to lift the newsprint tariffs that would’ve placed an onerous burden on all print media,” said Paul Barbetta, president and publisher of the Hearst Connecticut Media Group. “By alleviating this undue tariff, our elected representatives demonstrated their support for all newspapers to fulfill their mission of covering the communities they serve.”

The commission found imports of Canadian newsprint did not actually harm American producers, and, according to Himes, most had already switched to the production of cardboard boxes to feed the online retail business.

“The result was that there was little benefit (to the tariffs), while the harm extended to our local newspapers, the reporters and staff they employ,

“By alleviating this undue tariff, our elected representatives demonstrated their support for all newspapers to fulfill their mission of covering the communities they serve.”

Paul Barbetta, president and publisher of the Hearst Connecticut Media Group

and the communities they serve,” Himes said. “These tariffs made no sense.”

Andrew S. Julien, publisher and editor-in-chief at The Hartford Courant and vice president of the Connecticut Daily Newspaper Association, said undoing the tariffs served the public interest.

“The tariffs weren’t just about dollars and cents, but about making sure the American public has access to a diverse array of voices about the issues and events that matter in their daily lives,” Julian said.