United States has imposed steep new anti-dumping duties of 20.56% on imports of Canadian softwood lumber. This significant jump from previous rates is creating strong opposition across Canada's forestry sector, particularly in British Columbia.Announced by the US Commerce Department, the move escalates a decades old trade conflict. .Montreal church fined $2,500 for hosting MAGA-supporting Christian artist Sean Feucht.Canadian forestry leaders immediately denounced the hike as unjustified, punitive, and protectionist. The 20.56% anti-dumping duty comes on top of existing duties. Combined, the total tax rate on Canadian lumber entering the US will go over 30%. .This is a major increase from the combined rate of 14.54% earlier this year.Adding to the pain, the US plans to apply these new duties retroactively. This means they target Canadian lumber shipped south since January 1, 2023. .Federal gov’t transitions asylum seekers from hotels to community housing.Industry experts warn this retroactive bill could force some small and medium-sized Canadian sawmills, especially in BC, into severe financial trouble. Some may even face shutdowns or risk personal assets.US officials defend the duties, claiming Canada unfairly subsidizes its industry through low fees charged to harvest trees on public land (stumpage fees). .They argue this lets Canadian producers undercut American prices.The fallout will hit both sides of the border. US consumers are expected to feel the pinch significantly. .Major US healthcare providers pause ‘gender affirming’ surgeries for minors, amid Trump pressure.Analysts estimate the extra duties could add between $15,000 to $20,000 USD (27,400 CDN) to the cost of building or renovating an American home. In Canada, the forestry sector, already facing challenges, fears widespread job losses and threats to business survival..Canadian officials, including Prime Minister Mark Carney and ministers from British Columbia, are demanding softwood lumber be a top priority in ongoing trade talks with the US. They argue the US action harms both nations. The dispute has intensified under the current US administration.The retroactive payment requirement is seen as especially damaging for smaller businesses, potentially requiring government aid to stay in business.
