Canada has condemned the U.S. Department of Commerce's decision to sharply increase duties on Canadian softwood lumber, raising the tariff from 8.05% to 14.54%. The move comes after the Department's fifth annual review of anti-dumping and countervailing duties on the wood products. The new tariff rate will be applied retroactively to 2022 exports and will affect future shipments from companies subject to this review.
Mary Ng, Canada’s Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development, said the increased tariffs are "unfair" and will harm workers and industries on both sides of the border. She noted that U.S. consumers and businesses relying on Canadian lumber will likely face higher costs, potentially worsening housing affordability issues.
British Columbia’s Minister of Forests, Bruce Ralston, also expressed deep disappointment with the U.S. decision, highlighting the severe impact on forestry workers and communities in the province. He noted that these duties not only harm Canadian interests but also increase the cost of building homes in the U.S., exacerbating affordability challenges for American consumers.
Ralston emphasized that British Columbia, alongside the Canadian government, will persist in contesting the duties through all available legal channels. Premier David Eby has directly urged the U.S. ambassador to eliminate these tariffs, advocating instead for economic cooperation that benefits both nations.
Andrew Mercier, B.C.’s Minister of State for Sustainable Forest Innovation, reaffirmed the province’s commitment to supporting its forestry sector. He outlined efforts to diversify markets for B.C. timber through local home-building projects and international trade partnerships. Mercier stressed that while the fight against these duties continues, the province will also focus on creating new opportunities for workers and communities within the forestry industry.
Canada has pledged to continue challenging the duties through multiple legal avenues, including NAFTA, the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement, and the World Trade Organization.
