Statement by Minister Ng on U.S. preliminary duty rates on Canadian softwood lumber

January 31, 2022 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada            

The Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development, today issued the following statement regarding the third administrative reviews by the U.S. Department of Commerce of its anti-dumping and countervailing duty orders on softwood lumber products from Canada:

“The U.S. Department of Commerce is indicating with these preliminary results that it intends to maintain its unjustified duties on imports of Canadian softwood lumber.

“U.S. duties on Canadian softwood hurt forestry sector businesses, workers and communities across Canada. They are a tax on American consumers and reduce the affordability of housing for American homebuyers at a time when housing prices are already at record highs.

“The United States has long relied on high-quality Canadian lumber to meet its needs for housing and innovative building materials. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the world has seen record-setting softwood lumber prices and a growing demand for Canadian lumber.

“The Government of Canada will continue to stand up for Canada’s forestry sector through all available avenues, including litigation under NAFTA and the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement, and at the WTO.

“Canada believes a negotiated solution to this long-standing trade issue is in the best interests of both our nations, and we will continue to work closely with our industry to defend Canadian interests.”

Quick facts

• The U.S. Department of Commerce announcement reflects preliminary results for the third administrative reviews, which do not take effect today.
• The U.S. Department of Commerce is not expected to issue final results until at least June 2022.
• The U.S. Department of Commerce conducts an annual review of anti-dumping and countervailing duty orders. The annual review process is similar to the process used for initial investigations, but applies only to companies that are subject to review.

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