NAFTA panel's ruling on Canadian softwood lumber

Ottawa reacts to decision on lumber tariffs

{reg}Canada welcomes a recent ruling under NAFTA, finding certain aspects of the U.S. calculation of duties on Canadian softwood lumber inconsistent with American legislation.

In response, Minister of International Trade and Economic Development Mary Ng expresses her satisfaction with the NAFTA dispute resolution panel's decision, stating that tariffs on Canadian softwood lumber are unjustified. She emphasizes that the only fair resolution would be an immediate revocation of these tariffs by the United States.

Furthermore, the NAFTA panel has requested the U.S. Department of Commerce to review key aspects of its dumping decision. Ms. Ng highlights the detrimental impact of the U.S.'s imposition of unfair and illegal tariffs on highly integrated supply chains.

Canada remains committed to defending its softwood lumber industry and workers while pursuing legal challenges against unfair U.S. customs duties, Minister Ng concludes.

The 60-page decision released on Thursday upheld the U.S. Commerce Department's decisions in five areas while seeking further clarification on three others. These include the pricing methodology, the treatment of export taxes under the 2006 Canada-U.S. Softwood Lumber Agreement, and a decision regarding start-up adjustments for a northern Ontario factory operated by a Montreal company owned by Paper Excellence.[/reg]