The US Department of Commerce is set to hike duties on Canadian softwood lumber to 34% this fall, the latest blow in a dispute with Canada that goes back decades. “We’re going to need some support measures put in place to help us weather this storm,” Kurt Niquidet, president of the BC Lumber Trade Council. “There’s going to be some financial liquidity issues for companies.” …“It’s obviously very concerning,” Ian Dunn, CEO at the Ontario Forest Industries Association, said. “Even under the existing trade environment, with the duties that we’ve seen historically, we’ve seen companies curtail operations, we’ve seen companies close mills, reductions of shifts and layoffs.” …Trump has also launched an investigation into timber and lumber products from several countries based on national security grounds. He has threatened further tariffs on Canadian lumber and has signed an executive order that calls for an increase of domestic timber production.
- US Lumber Dealers in HBS Dealer: NLBMDA weighs in on Canadian duty dustup
- Globe and Mail by Brent Jang: After higher duty rates, Canadian softwood lumber could be hit by new tariffs
- CBC News: BC forests minister says Trump is ‘dead wrong’ about lumber trade