Most sawmills in the province are facing a stiff tariff on softwood lumber exports to the U-S of almost 20%. The J.D. Irving Mill, however, managed to get a much lower duty of only 3%.
The Americans will start charging the tariff next month…although there could be amendments after that.
Premier Brian Gallant called the announcement alarming. Gallant told reporters in Fredericton that Trump’s presidency and his protectionist views and approach is the greatest hazard to our province’s economy.