Temporary shutdown at RYAM in Témiscaming due to U.S. tariffs

By Richard Coffin Direct impact on jobs in our area.

The implementation of U.S. tariffs is having a direct impact on jobs in our area.

RYAM confirms a temporary economic shutdown of operations at its Témiscaming site, effective Sept. 12.  The plant produces cellulose, pulp, and coated paperboard.

Officials say an accurate number of employees impacted is not yet known because they will have different waves, adding it will be less than 400.

Also unknown is how long the shutdown will last.

The company says it will affect all site operations, with the exception of the wastewater treatment plant and Boiler No. 4, which will continue to operate.

They add the decision is the result of a business environment that has become unsustainable, making continued operations simply no longer economically viable.

Officials say despite all efforts made to adapt to this new reality, the magnitude of the tariffs, combined with the long-standing challenges facing the pulp and paper industry, no longer allows them to operate the site under sustainable conditions.

Stephane Lefebvre, President of Unifor Local 233, says it’s another difficult day for their members.

“Two years after the shutdown of the specialty cellulose line that impacted 260 jobs in Temiscaming we are at the mercy of tariffs,” he says.  “It’s a waiting game and without the governments help and more Canadian demand for our products the Temiscaming mill cannot survive this tariff war.”

Lefebvre says a shutdown for whatever the reason equals layoffs.

Should the tariff situation evolve, RYAM says it may reconsider the position announced today (Aug. 26).

The full statement from management is below:

“Due to the impact of new U.S. tariffs targeting Canada and Canadian industries, RYAM is compelled to implement a temporary economic shutdown of operations at its Témiscaming site, effective September 12, 2026. The duration of this shutdown remains undetermined.

The shutdown will affect all site operations, with the exception of the wastewater treatment plant and Boiler No. 4, which will continue to operate.

This decision is the result of a business environment that has become unsustainable, making continued operations simply no longer economically viable. Despite all the efforts we have made to adapt to this new reality, the magnitude of the tariffs, combined with the long-standing challenges facing the pulp and paper industry, no longer allows us to operate the site under sustainable conditions.

During this temporary shutdown, RYAM will continue, more than ever, to work closely with Unifor, as well as with governments and all stakeholders, to identify solutions that would enable operations to resume.

Should the tariff situation evolve, RYAM may reconsider the position announced today.

We fully recognize the impact this decision will have on our employees, their families and the entire Témiscaming community, a single-industry region. We are committed to keeping them informed as the situation evolves and of the efforts we continue to pursue to create the conditions necessary for operations to resume.”

Richard Coffinhttps://www.mynorthbaynow.com/Richard Coffin has been a reporter and news anchor on the radio in North Bay for over 25 years.  From premiers to people in the neighbourhood, he enjoys connecting with newsmakers and writing stories that matter to area listeners on a variety of topics including healthcare, education, politics, sports and more.