The U.S. Commerce Department has increased countervailing duties on Canadian softwood lumber, raising the total duty rate to 35.19%.
This includes a new countervailing duty rate of 14.63%, which is in addition to existing anti-dumping duties. The decision is expected to escalate trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada as the two nations engage in broader trade talks.
According to Kurt Niquidet of the BC Lumber Trade Council, which advocates for the Canadian lumber sector, this move will harm communities in both countries and increase construction costs for American builders and families.
The new duties come as the Trump administration is also conducting a Section 232 investigation on imports of timber and lumber, which could lead to tariffs on lumber imports from other nations.
This action highlights the ongoing trade friction and its potential impact on both domestic and international markets.
