The U.S. Commerce Department has finalized tariffs on Canadian softwood lumber.
The imposed duties would add 20% or more to the cost of this material. The tariffs will go into effect at the end of November if U.S. trade officials confirm that improper subsidies and dumping practices from Canada have hurt the U.S. softwood lumber industry.
Both U.S. and Canadian officials have indicated that they would rather come to agreement on a deal without any tariffs. This disagreement over a softwood trade deal is part of a decades-long battle between the U.S. and Canada.
The U.S. contends that the Canadian government subsidizes its producers, enabling them to sell to U.S. consumers at below-market rates. The threat of tariffs has inflated U.S. lumber prices recently. About one-third of the U.S. softwood lumber market originates from Canada.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Aug 12, 2019
New curtain wall design guidelines released
AAMA document includes mandatory language, optional language, and detailed technical commentary.
Codes and Standards | Aug 9, 2019
Cities modify density zoning to spur more affordable housing projects
Solutions include eliminating single-family zoning and allowing taller apartments in higher-density zones.
Codes and Standards | Aug 8, 2019
More designers focusing on acoustic properties of buildings
Recognition that structures should be acoustically satisfying.
Codes and Standards | Aug 7, 2019
Illinois law makes all single-occupancy restrooms gender-neutral
All must comply by January 1.
Codes and Standards | Aug 6, 2019
New technology, aligning training with local trends among keys to workforce development
Construction industry must also invest in training, recruiting high school students.
Codes and Standards | Aug 1, 2019
Planners, city official rethink parking requirements on new projects
Reducing number of parking spots frees up land for ‘more purposeful’ uses.
Codes and Standards | Jul 31, 2019
USGBC-LA chooses first ‘Net Zero Accelerator’ technologies
Wide range of solutions address numerous environmental challenges.
Codes and Standards | Jul 30, 2019
Solar brokerage will provide financing for small/medium businesses
First to fund solar for smaller-scale commercial operations.
Codes and Standards | Jul 29, 2019
ASCE group unveils structural safety database
Confidential reporting on structural failures, near misses, and other incidents.
Codes and Standards | Jul 26, 2019
Floating landscape infrastructure wins top ASCE innovation prize
Climate resiliency a key theme of entrants.