Canada's Lumber Dispute with US Escalates

US Increases Tariffs, Canada Calls Foul

Preliminary Results Show Duty Increase Coming

Ottawa, Canada - February 1, 2024

The ongoing lumber dispute between Canada and the United States has taken a dramatic turn as the US Department of Commerce announced preliminary results of its latest investigation into Canadian softwood lumber imports. The results indicate a significant increase in the duty that the US will charge on these imports.

In response, Canada's Minister of International Trade, the Honorable Mary Ng, has strongly criticized the US decision. Minister Ng called the move "unfair and unwarranted" and vowed to defend Canadian interests.

The US Lumber Lobby has long argued that Canadian producers receive unfair provincial subsidies on softwood, giving them an advantage in the US market. However, the Canadian government has vehemently denied these allegations, stating that the subsidies are necessary to support the industry in disadvantaged regions.