Canada disappointed with U.S. final softwood lumber duty rate: Trade Minister
BNN Bloomberg
International Trade Minister Mary Ng and B.C.'s lumber producers say they are disappointed that the U.S. Department of Commerce has decided to increase duties on Canada's softwood lumber producers.
International Trade Minister Mary Ng and B.C.'s lumber producers say they are disappointed that the U.S. Department of Commerce has decided to increase duties on Canada's softwood lumber producers.
The U.S. government said Wednesday that its final combined anti-dumping and countervailing duty rate for most Canadian producers will be 17.9 per cent.
That's slightly below the 18.32 per cent preliminary rate issued in May but double the initial 8.99 per cent rate.
Ng called on the U.S. to stop imposing "these unwarranted duties" that harm Canadian communities, business and workers while also raising costs of housing and renovations for U.S. consumers.
Final rates for four Canadian producers have been slightly reduced from May. The final rate for Canfor Corp. is 19.54 per cent, down from 21.04 per cent; West Fraser Timber Co. Inc. is 11.12 per cent, down from 11.38 per cent; Resolute Forest Products Inc. is 29.66 per cent, down from 30.22 per cent; and JD Irving is 15 per cent, down from 15.82 per cent.
The BC Lumber Trade Council says the final rates are not unexpected but still disappointing, especially since U.S. producers are unable to meet domestic demand.
