September 9, 2024 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development, today issued the following statement to announce that Canada will challenge the final results of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s fifth Canadian softwood lumber reviews.

“Today, Canada took the necessary steps to begin two legal challenges under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s decision to increase softwood lumber duties: one contesting U.S. anti-dumping duties and the other contesting U.S. countervailing duties.

“In its most recent annual reviews of softwood lumber duty rates, the United States further increased the unfair and unjust duties on Canadian softwood lumber, hurting Canadian industry and jobs and increasing housing costs in both countries.

“Canada has consistently contested U.S. decisions imposing duties on Canadian softwood lumber products under CUSMA and NAFTA and at the United States Court of International Trade.

“In every meeting I have with Katherine Tai, United States Trade Representative, including only a couple of weeks ago, I emphasize the benefit of finding a mutually beneficial solution that creates greater opportunities in the forestry sectors in Canada and the United States. I will continue to advocate for Canada’s softwood lumber industry, its workers and the communities that rely on it.

“Canada remains ready to seek a resolution that would provide the stability and predictability the sector needs to ensure its continued growth and success.”