Leaders in the U.S. lumber industry are lobbying the U.S. Department of Commerce and the U.S. International Trade Commission to put import duties on Canadian softwood lumber.
They claim the product is being sold in the U.S. below fair market value. Canadian software lumber imports were up 33% in the first eight months of this year compared to same period of 2015, according to U.S. industry representatives.
The duties are now required to offset the harm caused to U.S. lumber mills by Canadian softwood subsidies and the alleged dumping of that product in the U.S., according to U.S. lumber industry leaders. The lobbying effort is likely to further strain trade relations between U.S. and Canadian lumber industries.
A bilateral trade deal between the U.S. and Canada regarding Canadian lumber exports expired in October 2015. The two sides were unable to negotiate a new softwood lumber agreement over the summer following 100 days of discussions.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Aug 21, 2018
First mass timber panel made from structural composite lumber gets APA certification
Said to be much more cost effective than CLT options.
Codes and Standards | Aug 17, 2018
Zoning changes can be crucial to filling large, empty retail spaces
Alternative uses often require action by local officials.
Codes and Standards | Aug 16, 2018
Nearly a quarter of opioid overdose deaths attributable to construction workers
Massachusetts public health study finds pressure to work in pain contributes to problem.
Codes and Standards | Aug 15, 2018
ICC creates new committee on building safety and security
Will include experts from many different disciplines.
Codes and Standards | Aug 14, 2018
Philadelphia adopts 2018 IECC energy code, while state opts for 2015 code
City is one of the first jurisdictions to adopt newest code.
Codes and Standards | Aug 9, 2018
Denver’s goal of 100% renewable energy by 2030 includes net zero energy buildings
Community solar programs for low income residents part of plan.
Codes and Standards | Aug 8, 2018
Too much parking in U.S. cities proving costly
As car ownership rates drop, excess parking seems more wasteful.
Codes and Standards | Aug 7, 2018
International Fire Safety Standards (IFSS) Coalition created
Professional associations and building standards organizations join forces.
Codes and Standards | Jul 31, 2018
Workers allegedly held in captivity by construction subcontractor in San Jose pay theft case
Contractor pays $250,000 in back wages in Dept. of Labor enforcement action.
Codes and Standards | Jul 17, 2018
Heat island effect can turn deadly in extreme conditions
Of all the impacts of global climate change, it’s extreme heat that kills more Americans each year than any other weather-related event.
