Lumber producers battle U.S. tariffs

November 20, 2017

Canada’s lumber producers are facing new U.S. duties on wood exports to this country’s biggest foreign market. 
The U.S. Department of Commerce has announced that combined duties will represent from 20.8% to 23.7% of B.C. lumber exports. This is lower, however, than proposals earlier this year from the U.S. lumber lobby, which had been calling for duties as high as 30.8% on some producers.
“It’s clear that the U.S. industry has been wholly unsuccessful with their attempt to push the Commerce Department to see these rates increased. While the rates are lower, the fact that any duties remain in place is disappointing. As we have consistently said, these duties are unwarranted and this trade action is completely without merit,” said Susan Yurkovich, president of the BC Lumber Trade Council.
Canadian lumber producers will be required to pay the revised anti-dumping duty rate immediately. The final countervailing duty rate would be imposed if and when the U.S. International Trade Commission makes a final determination on injury. This decision is expected no later than December 18, 2017.
B.C. is the largest Canadian exporter of softwood lumber to the U.S. The B.C. forest industry is a major contributor to the provincial economy. It directly and indirectly and supports approximately 140,000 jobs.