New round of softwood duties kick in
VANCOUVER, B.C. — Canadian softwood lumber producers sent their last loads of duty-free softwood to the U.S. yesterday, as the latest round of duties were imposed at 12:01 this morning.
Countervailing and anti-dumping duties totaling 27.2 per cent came into effect today, one day earlier than originally expected.
Many softwood producers in B.C. had been racing against the duties and trucking as much wood as possible into the U.S. in an attempt to beat the tariffs.
Meanwhile, Canada continues to appeal against the duties using the tools available through NAFTA and with the World Trade Organization. Lumber exporters are expected to shell out nearly $3 billion in annual duties under the current arrangement, representing about 30 per cent of the $10 billion softwood trade with the U.S.
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