Increase in US Softwood Lumber Duties ‘Entirely Unwarranted,’ Trade Minister Says

The federal government is lashing out at the U.S. Commerce Department over plans to raise duties on Canadian softwood lumber. International Trade Minister Mary Ng says the U.S. has signalled it intends to raise duties to 13.86 percent, up from 8.05 percent. Ms. Ng calls the move disappointing and entirely unwarranted. It’s only the latest salvo in a bilateral back-and-forth that Ottawa has described as a drag on efforts to improve the cost and supply of housing. Last month, Ms. Ng vowed to contest a U.S. International Trade Commission decision to keep the duties in place. She says Canada will fight the duties by every means available, including litigation through existing trade agreements, as well as the World Trade Organization and the U.S. Court of International Trade....