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 | Oct 16, 2015
Appellate court enacts nationwide stay on controversial expansion of Clean Water Act
New EPA rule suspended until court cases settled.
Codes and Standards | Oct 9, 2015
New California law means commercial building benchmarking program will be implemented
Multifamily housing to be included, a first for a U.S. state.
Codes and Standards | Oct 2, 2015
New ASHRAE guideline for commissioning existing systems and assemblies
Focuses on optimum facility and system operation.
Codes and Standards | Sep 18, 2015
New RELi standard addresses disaster resilience
Based on LEED model, may help lower insurance rates
Building Materials | Aug 28, 2015
Structural steel buildings specification available for second public review
Next year's specification open for comments until Sept. 21
Energy Efficiency | Aug 28, 2015
North American Passive House Network e-book explains Passivhaus, net-zero techniques
Free guide includes spotlight on individual projects
Windows and Doors | Aug 28, 2015
Newly formed group challenges Florida building code
Window, door companies oppose provisions that raise costs
Codes and Standards | Aug 28, 2015
New Orleans becoming a model for climate resilience only 10 years after Katrina
The city has moved ahead with resilience strategies that may become a model for other communities
Codes and Standards | Aug 21, 2015
Illinois governor vetoes bill that would restrict condo owners’ rights
Bill would have made it harder to sue for building flaws
Codes and Standards | Aug 21, 2015
Post-Katrina roofing codes creating more resilient buildings on Gulf Coast
Ten years after storm, notable progress on stronger roofs, IBHS says
