B.C. Minister Warns of 50% U.S. Tariffs on Lumber

British Columbia's Minister of Forests, Ravi Parmar, has warned that softwood lumber exports to the United States could face tariffs exceeding 50 percent if the U.S. implements proposed new tariffs. Currently, B.C. lumber already incurs about 14 percent in duties, which could rise due to U.S. President Donald Trump's threat of a 25 percent tariff. Parmar's comments came during a recent trip to California, where he met with state officials and the California Building Industry Association to discuss the implications of these tariffs on rebuilding efforts following devastating wildfires that destroyed over 16,000 structures. Both Parmar and the association emphasized that such tariffs would not only harm the B.C. lumber industry but also increase housing costs and complicate recovery efforts in California. The situation underscores the interconnectedness of trade relations and the urgent need for cooperation in rebuilding efforts. As both regions prepare for significant events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympics, the stakes for maintaining a stable lumber supply remain high.