Jersey Journal Failure, Star Ledger’s Digital-Only Change Just A Start If Canada Tariffs Go Into Effect: 80% Of Newsprint Used For US Papers Is From Canada

Jersey Journal Failure, Star Ledger’s Digital-Only Change Just A Start If Canada Tariffs Go Into Effect: 80% Of Newsprint Used For US Papers Is From Canada

 

Editor’s note: We previously published a story on the demise of local newspapers, which has a measurable impact on politics.  Smaller, independent newspapers were more likely to keep politicians honest, and might have prevented the debacle that was George Santos in New York.  Since none of the larger newspapers took the time to investigate this lawmaker, he was able to get elected, followed by his disgraceful exit from politics.  With a robust local media, he may not have been elected in the first place.  Below, you can find the announcement from the Canadian government on the counter-tariff measures they are planning to implement, which will affect the prices of everything from gasoline to electricity to grocery store items.  But what the article does not mention is the potentially devastating impact these tariffs will have on newspapers.  Since 80% of the newsprint used to print these papers is from Canada, and most states still require publication of public notices in bona fide newspapers (as defined by the use of newsprint), the potential economic impact to these news sources, of which many are smaller and independently owned, is likely to be devastating.  We may see more and more printed papers fold as did the Jersey Journal and the printed version of the Star Ledger.  

According to Forbes: “Advertisers follow the eyeballs, and fewer of them are focused on papers these days. In 2022, according to Pew, newspapers made $9.8 billion in ad revenue, compared to $22 billion in 2014 and down from a peak of $49.4 billion in 2005….Papers began experimenting with reducing print days to save money. The cost of ink and newsprint has risen, and keeping the presses running seven days a week is a luxury many can no longer afford.

“The Ledger isn’t the only NJ.com paper that will shut down its printing press on February 2, 2025. The Times of Trenton and South Jersey Times in New Jersey and Pennsylvania’s Express-Times in Easton are also ending their print editions on that date. All will continue to publish digital editions; the Jersey Journal, meanwhile, will shut down entirely.”

An article from CJ.com says, “Canada has long been a major supplier of American newsprint—it now provides an estimated 80 percent of the paper used by US newspapers. A tariff would add a significant burden to publishers already struggling with high costs of production and thin margins, and analysts say the mere looming threat of one has complicated life for printers. ‘There is no scenario under which this is cost-positive for the media industry,’ said Brett House, a professor of professional practice at the Columbia Business School. ‘Almost anything that is done here is going to be increasing prices for newsprint.’

“The last time the US imposed tariffs on Canadian newsprint, the consequences were severe. In 2018, a single American paper manufacturer petitioned for duties on Canadian imports, arguing that unfair subsidies gave Canadian mills an advantage. The resulting tariffs sent newsprint prices soaring, forcing newspapers, especially smaller, independent publishers, to make painful cuts. Some laid off staff. Others reduced page counts or eliminated print days altogether. A few publications shut down entirely.

“The newspaper industry fought back, with the National Newspaper Association and other advocacy groups mobilizing to overturn the tariffs. Legislators testified before the International Trade Commission, warning that rising costs were accelerating the decline of local journalism. After months of lobbying and legal challenges, the tariffs were lifted. But the damage had already been done. The price hikes never fully reversed, and many of the cuts newspapers made to stay afloat became permanent.”

This is the release from the Canadian Finance Department: 

“Canada is being needlessly and unfairly targeted by these tariffs – and the U.S.’s decision leaves us with no choice but to respond to protect Canadian interests, workers and businesses. Working with provincial, territorial and industry partners, our singular focus is to get these tariffs removed as quickly as possible.”

 The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Finance and Intergovernmental Affairs

“Today, the United States has chosen to pursue a harmful course of action that threatens the prosperity of both our nations. Canada stands firm in defending our economy, workers and businesses against these unjustified tariffs. We are announcing a robust response of $155 billion and remain prepared to take additional measures as needed.”

 The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs

• Canada is the top customer for U.S. goods and services exports and a critical supplier of goods and services integral to the U.S. economy, with Canada buying more U.S. goods than China, Japan, France and the United Kingdom combined.
• Millions of jobs on both sides of the border depend on this relationship, and every day over US$2.5 billion worth of goods and services crosses the border.
• Canada is the largest export market for 36 states and is among the top three for 46 states, with 43 states exporting over US$1 billion to Canada every year.
• Of the U.S.’s top five trading partners, Canada is the only country with whom the U.S. has a trade surplus in manufacturing (US$33 billion in 2023).
• The tariffs announced today by the Government of Canada will not apply to U.S. goods that are in transit to Canada on the day on which these countermeasures come into force.
• On December 17, 2024, the Government of Canada announced Canada’s Border Plan, which aims to bolster border security, strengthen our immigration system, and keep Canadians safe.
• The Plan is backed by an investment of $1.3 billion and built around five pillars: 1) Detecting and disrupting fentanyl trade; 2) Introducing significant new tools for law enforcement; 3) Enhancing operational coordination; 4) Increasing information sharing; and 5) Minimizing unnecessary border volumes.
• On February 11, 2025, the Government of Canada announced the appointment of Kevin Brosseau as Canada’s new Fentanyl Czar. Mr. Brosseau works closely with U.S. counterparts and law enforcement agencies to accelerate Canada’s ongoing work to detect, disrupt, and dismantle the fentanyl trade.
• According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, less than 1 per cent of the fentanyl and illegal crossings into the United States come from Canada.
• On February 20, 2025, the Government of Canada announced the listing of seven transnational criminal organizations, including cartels, as terrorist entities.
• As a first line of defence, Canada’s robust system of economic support programs is available to help businesses and workers directly impacted by U.S. tariffs. This includes financing and advisory supports for businesses through financial Crown corporations and supports for workers through the Employment Insurance program. As the government redoubles its efforts to improve Canada’s investment, productivity and competitiveness in collaboration with provinces, territories and the business community, it will proactively monitor impacts across sectors and the economy, and will bring forward additional measures to support workers and businesses as needed. The government continues to work closely with provincial and territorial governments, as well as business, labour, and other leaders to advance a robust Team Canada response, and to advocate with U.S. decision-makers on behalf of all Canadians to safeguard and strengthen Canada’s economy.

Banner Image: Reading a newspaper. Image Credit –  Roman Kraft