Canada has repeatedly rejected the US positions in the softwood trade battle, which dates back to the early 1980s. “These tariffs will not improve U.S. national security – they will only drive up lumber costs, making housing even less affordable for American families,” Kurt Niquidet, of the BC Lumber Trade Council, said. “Placing additional tariffs on Ontario’s forest sector under the false flag of national security is a disturbing abuse of presidential power,” Ian Dunn, of the Ontario Forest Industries Association, said. …Sawmills in Canada have seen their market share of US lumber consumption steadily decline since 2016. …Raymond James Ltd. analyst Daryl Swetlishoff said the stage has been set for additional decreases in lumber capacity in Canada over the next six to 12 months. RBC Capital Markets analyst Matthew McKellar said the new tariffs will place extra pressure on Canadian producers. “Tariffs will potentially accelerate curtailments of Canadian supply,” he said. [to access the full story a Globe and Mail subscription is required]

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