The U.S. Department of Commerce recently announced preliminary tariffs on Canadian softwood lumber, ranging from 3.02% to 24.12% per producer.
The average import tax is 20%. The move is intended to help U.S. lumber producers compete with Canadian producers.
The U.S. International Trade Commission investigated whether Canadian producers' sourcing timber from government-owned land allows them to buy a product at a lower cost than U.S. producers, which typically source timber from private land. The tariffs are expected to generate $1 billion in revenue on imports of about $5 billion annually.
The duties were lower than analysts had expected, according to a Bloomberg report. The U.S. may also add antidumping duties, though, if allegations that Canadian producers are selling product at below-market rates in the U.S. are proven. The issue of volume and pricing of Canadian softwood lumber exports to the U.S. has been the source of a decades-long trade dispute between the two countries.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Apr 18, 2016
Efficiency finance pilot project to spur retrofits on existing buildings
EDF and PG&E team up on interest-free loans for qualified projects.
Codes and Standards | Apr 18, 2016
ASHRAE releases proposed energy standard for historic buildings
Designed to balance with preservation requirements.
Codes and Standards | Apr 13, 2016
Canadian city fines itself for failing to get a building permit for building renovation
Guelph, Ontario, will pay a $1,125 fine to the province.
Codes and Standards | Apr 12, 2016
Construction trade groups sue OSHA over silica rule
Cite concerns about technological and economic feasibility.
Codes and Standards | Apr 11, 2016
New LEED 2009 projects will have to meet increased minimum energy performance
New requirements went into effect April 8.
Wood | Apr 8, 2016
New LEED Pilot ACP designed to help eliminate irresponsibly sourced materials
Illegal wood is primary target to restrict illicit material in the supply chain.
Lighting | Apr 5, 2016
Lighting requirements for high-rise dwellings proposed for energy standard
The requirements would effectively eliminate incandescent and halogen bulbs.
Steel Buildings | Apr 4, 2016
AISI publishes Cold-Formed Steel Framing Design Guide, 2016 Edition
Updates 2007 edition; includes five comprehensive design examples.
Data Centers | Apr 1, 2016
ASHRAE releases publication on the impact of IT equipment on data center design
The book offers advice for designing structures in the fast-changing data center industry.
Codes and Standards | Mar 28, 2016
Occupant egress simulations that impact codes fall short, researchers say
Building evacuations in emergencies are too dangerous as a result.
