PREMIER David Eby on Monday strongly denounced the U.S. Department of Commerce’s announcement that it intends to more than double anti-dumping duties imposed on Canadian softwood lumber exporters.
He said: “B.C.’s iconic forestry sector and the people whose livelihoods depend on it have faced immense challenges for years and, today, are facing a new, massive threat.”
He noted that B.C. has long maintained that any and all duties on softwood lumber are unjustified, and these anti-dumping duties are based on a biased calculation – one that has been criticized by many of the United States’ trading partners.
Eby added: “Today’s announcement comes amidst U.S. President Donald J. Trump’s threat to put a 25% tariff on all products exported from our country to the United States, compounding the challenges for this important industry in B.C. It also follows the U.S. President’s order this past weekend to initiate another, separate investigation of forest products, with the possibility of additional tariffs, quotas or other actions aimed at curbing imports of forest products to the U.S. These are unwarranted attacks, and not how allies treat each other. We are stronger when we work together. If the tariffs are imposed, we will stand with Team Canada to respond with strength.
“The U.S. Department of Commerce’s announcement today will impact all Canadian companies selling lumber to the United States, when and if the decision is confirmed later this summer. American homes will be more expensive to build and hardworking people in our province will bear the brunt of these unwarranted duties. Both Canadians and Americans need an end to this trade dispute.
“For workers who rely on the forestry industry to support their families, or British Columbians who are anxious about other tariffs the U.S. is threatening to impose, our commitment is to fight hard to defend your jobs and the services you rely on. And no matter what comes – we will never be the 51st state.”
MEANWHILE, the BC Lumber Trade Council (BCLTC) said that it strongly opposes the U.S. Department of Commerce’s preliminary decision to increase anti-dumping duties on Canadian softwood lumber to 20.07%, adding that “this unjustified move will negatively impact forestry workers and communities in British Columbia, while further burdening homebuilders, consumers, and the broader construction sector in the United States.”
“It is deeply disappointing that the U.S. continues to impose these protectionist trade measures” said Kurt Niquidet, President of the BC Lumber Trade Council. “The fact remains that the United States relies on Canadian softwood lumber imports and these duties will harm not only the B.C. forestry industry, but also U.S. consumers, who will bear some of the cost”.
Ongoing rebuilding efforts in North Carolina and California, where affordable and reliable lumber is critical to recovery, will be more expensive as a result of this decision, he noted.
The BCLTC said it remains committed to advocating for fair trade and urges the U.S. government to work towards a negotiated solution that benefits all stakeholders. Canada has a long-standing and reliable history as a key supplier of softwood lumber to the U.S., providing high-quality products for home construction and renovation.
“We will continue to defend our industry against these baseless duties through all available avenues, including legal challenges” said Niquidet. “A fair and lasting resolution to the softwood lumber dispute is in both countries’ best interest.”
The BC Lumber Trade Council said it will closely monitor developments and work alongside the Canadian government and industry partners to challenge this latest trade action.
