Canada disappointed with U.S. final softwood lumber duty rate, says trade minister

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.

This was excerpted from the 24 November 2021 edition of Global News.