U.S. plan to nearly triple softwood lumber duties a massive threat: Eby [Video]

British Columbia Premier David Eby says news that the U.S. Department of Commerce wants to almost triple the anti-dumping duties on Canadian softwood lumber is a “massive threat” to the province’s forestry sector.

The American department issued a preliminary anti-dumping rate of 20.07 per cent, up from 7.66 per cent set three years ago, which is in addition to countervailing duties of 6.74 per cent.

That brings the total for potential levies to almost 27 per cent, while the industry is still facing U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat of 25 per cent tariff on Canadian goods on Tuesday.

The BC Lumber Trade Council says in a statement that the proposed hike is unjustified and will harm forestry workers and communities in Canada and further burden homebuilders and consumers in the United States.

Council president Kurt Niquidet says it is deeply disappointing that the U.S. continues to impose such trade protection measures.

A statement from Eby says the government denounces the move.

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