The Trump administration has imposed a duty of almost 20% on softwood lumber from the Maritimes…even more in other provinces.
NS Trade Minister Michel Samson was disappointed with yesterday’s announcement but still held out hope there could be an exemption for our lumber because it’s not subsidized here as it is in other parts of canada.
Even the U-S Lumber Coalition, which pushed for the tariffs, supported an exemption for Nova Scotia, PEI and Newfoundland and Labrador. The U-S Commerce Department says it is still considering that…but it could be months before a final decisiuon is made. In the meantime, the duty will be applying starting next months.