U.S. plans to nearly triple anti-dumping duty on Canadian softwood as tariffs loom [Video]

The U.S. Department of Commerce has announced it’s planning to almost triple the anti-dumping duties on Canadian softwood lumber, bringing total levies to almost 27 per cent even before the American president’s threatened tariffs.

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

The BC Lumber Trade Council says in a statement that the 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.

The Canada-U.S. softwood lumber dispute has been dragging on for decades, with the Americans saying Canadian producers sell below market value and that the industry is subsidized.

U.S. President Donald Trump signed …