Vancouver: The U.S. Commerce Department has increased the anti-dumping duty on Canadian softwood lumber to 20.56 percent. This follows an initial anti-dumping duty of 20.07% announced by the U.S. in March. Three years ago, the duty stood at 7.66 percent.
Meanwhile, the BC Council of Forest Industries has condemned the increase in anti-dumping duties, stating that the U.S. decision is unjustified and that the trade action will harm workers, families, and communities in the province and across Canada.
Earlier this month, Prime Minister Mark Carney had indicated that future trade agreements with the United States could include softwood lumber quotas.
The organization has urged the federal government to find a swift resolution to the softwood dispute. The BC Council of Forest Industries also suggests that the provincial government can assist the sector by actively promoting timber sales, expediting permit issuance, and removing regulatory hurdles. The association believes that such changes can significantly help the industry.
