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U.S. almost doubles tariffs on Canadian softwood lumber imports
Posted on August 16, 2024 |
The U.S. has nearly doubled the duty on Canadian softwood lumber imports since the 13th of August, increasing it from 8.05% to 14.54%.
Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced plans to raise softwood lumber duties, initially suggesting a rate of 13.86%.
Under U.S. law, the Department of Commerce can impose duties if foreign goods are sold below fair value or benefit from government subsidies.
In Canada, provinces set timber fees for wood harvested from Crown land, which U.S. producers see as an unfair advantage since they pay market rates.
The U.S. Lumber Coalition claims the higher duty proves that Canada continues to subsidize and underprice its softwood lumber in the U.S.
The coalition argues that Canadian practices are distorting the U.S. lumber market, harming American sawmills, workers, and communities.
The increased duty reflects ongoing trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada over softwood lumber pricing and subsidies.