B.C. forest minister projects U.S. tariffs, duties on softwood lumber could reach 55%

By Marcy Nicholson
The Canadian Press in CTV News
February 14, 2025
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada, United States

Ravi Parmar

Canadian softwood lumber exported to the United States could soon face additional tariffs and duties of up to 55%, BC’s forests minister said. The “Trump tariff and increased duties” are estimated to reach 50% to 55% compared with the current 14% duty on Canadian softwood lumber, Ravi Parmar said. …Parmar travelled to the US this week on a trade mission aimed at showing how the tariffs will hurt consumers. He met with the California Building Industry Association as well as politicians and said that any tariff will increase building costs, particularly after more than 16,000 homes destroyed by recent wildfires. Association CEO Dan Dunmoyer said in a joint statement with Parmar that they’re working together to ensure beneficial trade policies are understood by policy-makers, and further levies will only increase building costs in the US. “I’m going to be engaging with the insurance industry as well,” Parmar told reporters.

In related coverage: BC Government Press Release: Minister’s, California Building Industry Association’s statement on softwood duties, tariffs

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