U.S. Raises Anti-Dumping Duties on Canadian Softwood Lumber to 20.56%

The U.S. Department of Commerce has finalized an increase in antidumping duties on Canadian softwood lumber imports to 20.56%, up from 7.66% in the previous review, applying to shipments made throughout 2023. This decision reflects findings that Canadian exporters have been dumping lumber at rates ranging from 9.65% to 35.53%, which is higher than prior assessments, and duties will be collected by U.S. Customs and Border Protection accordingly. The British Columbia Council of Forest Industries (COFI) and other Canadian lumber organizations have condemned the hike as unjustified and punitive, warning it will harm workers, families, and communities across British Columbia and Canada. Canadian industry groups are urging the Canadian government to prioritize resolving the long-standing softwood lumber dispute, emphasizing the need for immediate action to stabilize the sector and enhance competitiveness through measures like accelerating timber harvests and improving permitting processes. Meanwhile, U.S. lawmakers and Canadian officials, including Prime Minister Mark Carney and Senator Ron Wyden, are reportedly engaged in talks that could lead to a resolution involving export quotas. The ongoing dispute centers on U.S. claims that Canadian government subsidies artificially lower softwood lumber prices, thus justifying the increased duties as countermeasures against dumping.