Canadian forestry faces ‘massive threat’ from double whammy of tariffs and new duties: B.C. premier [Video]

Softwood lumber producers in Canada are bracing for a double whammy of tariffs of up to 25 per cent, which could be in effect as soon as Tuesday, as well as a new levy imposed by the U.S. Department of Commerce, which could come into effect in August.

British Columbia Premier David Eby called the news a “massive threat” to the province’s forestry sector.

The levy is characterized by the United States as an anti-dumping measure and is part of a decades-long dispute between Canada and the United States over how softwood lumber is priced.

The new rate, announced by the U.S. Department of Commerce, is 20.07 per cent, up nearly three times from the previous rate set three years ago. That is in addition to a 6.74 per cent countervailing duty also in place, plus whatever tariffs may come into effect.

The announcement also comes shortly after Trump ordered …