The Canadian Lumber Trade Alliance (CLTA) issued the following statement today in response to the U.S. Administration’s decision to impose yet another tariff on Canadian softwood lumber:
“Since 2017, Canadian lumber producers have faced punitive and unwarranted anti-dumping and countervailing duties on every shipment of lumber to the United States in the current round of the softwood lumber dispute,” said Luc Theriault, President, Wood Products at Domtar and Co-Chair of the Canadian Lumber Trade Alliance. “The U.S. government’s decision to impose a further 10 percent tariff – on top of existing duties of 35 percent – is disappointing. These measures unjustly punish Canadian producers, while also driving up costs for our neighbors in the U.S.”
“Canadian lumber is responsibly sourced, high quality and essential to meeting the housing needs of families in the United States. For decades, the forest industries on both sides of the border have worked together to promote sustainable building with wood. We believe in strengthening these partnerships to grow our industry and communities.”
“Canadian lumber does not pose a national security risk to the United States. Our industry directly supports 200,000 jobs and sustains over 300 forest-dependent communities across Canada. We will continue to work closely with the Government of Canada to defend against these unfortunate trade actions and to safeguard Canadian forestry jobs.”
“The CLTA strongly supports settlement discussions, alongside many U.S. manufacturers, homebuilders, and consumers across the supply chain. A fair and durable softwood lumber agreement between Canada and the United States would deliver certainty and prosperity for both countries.”
In its recent Section 232 proclamation, the U.S. Administration signaled a willingness to pursue negotiations. The Canadian industry is ready to engage. It is essential that the Government of Canada match this commitment and play an active role in defending our industry and advancing a meaningful solution.
About the Canadian Lumber Trade Alliance
The Canadian Lumber Trade Alliance was formed in 2001 to present a collective voice for the Canadian softwood lumber industry with respect to the U.S. industry’s claim of injury from Canadian softwood lumber imports. Today the membership of CLTA includes provincial associations and companies from British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, and Quebec, representing nearly 90% of Canada’s softwood lumber production that is exported to the U.S. market.
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