As many Canadian businesses are looking anxiously to what a Donald Trump presidency — and his promise of increased tariffs on imported goods — could mean for their bottom line, those working in B.C.’s lumber industry already have a sense of the impact: lost jobs, devastated towns and an uncertain future. …Canadian softwood lumber sold in America is already hit by duties that doubled under Biden’s presidency and are forecast to double again in 2025. Meanwhile, production in the United States has increased, bringing with it new jobs and investment — sometimes funded by the same companies that are closing up shop in Canada. …Also top of mind are protectionist measures taken by the United States making it more difficult for softwood produced in Canada to be sold across the border. …Both Canfor and West Fraser … now operate more mills in the United States than in Canada as they shut down or curtail operations at home.
In related coverage:
- Derrick Penner in the Vancouver Sun: Explainer: B.C. businesses stare down risks of Trump’s tariff threats
- CBC News New Brunswick: Feelings of angst in New Brunswick business community after Trump win