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3w ago

U.S. Finalizes 20.56% Softwood Lumber Duty, Imposes Retroactive Payments

Producers warn that retroactive levies will force closure of hundreds of small forest operations.

In an aerial view, logs are seen stacked at Gorman Brothers Lumber sawmill, in West Kelowna, B.C., on Friday, April 4, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
The U.S. government has released a final determination for a new, far higher softwood lumber duty on imports from Canada, striking another blow to B.C.'s struggling forestry industry.

Overview

  • The U.S. Commerce Department issued a final anti-dumping duty of 20.56% on Canadian softwood lumber and ordered exporters to pay duties retroactively on shipments since January 1, 2023.
  • Under the updated regime, the “all-others” rate for independent wood processors has jumped from 14.4% to 27.3%, with further increases to as high as 35% signaled.
  • If preliminary countervailing findings are upheld, combined anti-dumping and countervailing duties could exceed 30% for many exporters.
  • British Columbia industry groups including the Independent Wood Processors Association and B.C. Council of Forest Industries warn the levies could shutter hundreds of mills and strain companies’ bonding and cash reserves.
  • Industry leaders are urging Ottawa to pursue quota-based negotiations under USMCA rules and to launch emergency support programs for affected firms.