Canada Challenges U.S. Softwood Lumber Duties

Canada has initiated two new legal challenges against the United States concerning increased tariffs on softwood lumber imports, following a significant hike in duties that nearly doubled the rates. International Trade Minister Mary Ng stated that these challenges will contest the U.S. Department of Commerce's recent decisions regarding anti-dumping and countervailing duties, which she labeled as 'unfair and unjust'. The new duty rates now require New Brunswick's largest forestry company to pay a combined rate of 11.68%, while other producers face rates as high as 14.54%. Ng emphasized the adverse impact of these tariffs on Canadian industry, jobs, and housing costs in both countries, and expressed Canada’s readiness to negotiate a fair resolution. The softwood lumber trade dispute has been ongoing for decades, with Canada previously having paid over $9 billion in duties related to this issue. Ng's comments reflect a commitment to resolving this long-standing trade conflict while advocating for the rights of Canadian lumber producers.