The United Steelworkers union (USW) is calling out the U.S. Department of Commerce. “The decision by the U.S. Department of Commerce to almost double the current duties and tariffs of Canadian Softwood Lumber products is nothing more than pure U.S. protectionism,” said Jeff Bromley, USW Wood Council Chair. “The ongoing escalation in duties and tariffs on Canadian products entering the U.S., while many other countries enjoy free and unfettered access to U.S. markets, is not only unfair but also contradicts the spirit of the Canada-U.S. trade relationship.” The USW asserts that these increases are nothing more than the U.S. Softwood Lumber Lobby trying to artificially raise lumber prices. …“At some point, the U.S. Softwood Lumber Lobby is going to want a deal to get their hands on that money,” said Bromley. In the meantime, Canadian forestry workers suffer layoffs because of these unfair duties and tariffs.