The Ontario Forest Industries Association (OFIA) expresses concern regarding today’s decision by the U.S. Department of Commerce to significantly increase duties on Canadian softwood lumber. The combined anti-dumping and countervailing duty rate is now 35.19%, up from the previous rate of 14.4%.“American consumers need Ontario forest products and our members are well positioned to continue to meet that demand,” said Ian Dunn, president and CEO of the OFIA. “Working with Premier Doug Ford and Prime Minister Mark Carney, Ontario’s forest products sector can supply construction material for new domestic infrastructure and homebuilding projects, while developing new markets for growth. Increasing duties and diversifying away from American markets will come at the expense of American homeowners and homebuyers.”A report recently released by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce finds that, between 2018 and 2024, tariffs and duties on foreign construction materials have already added up to US$6,000 to the cost of building a single family home in the U.S. If current measures remain in place, that figure could climb another $14,000 by the end of 2027. This places additional pressure on American families already facing affordability crises.“Ontario’s forest sector depends on international trade, exporting approximately $7.9 billion worth of goods per year,” added Dunn. “We look forward to working with Premier Ford and Prime Minister Carney on implementing provincial and recently announced federal stabilization measures such as a loan guarantee program to provide liquidity to impacted companies.” (ICE TORONTO)

Fonte notizia: https://www.pulpandpapercanada.com/