Ottawa intends to initiate a judicial review of the US decision to impose and maintain the 7.99% export duty on softwood lumber products.
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“For years, the United States has imposed unfair, unjust and illegal duties on softwood lumber from Canada, which hurts Canadian industry and drives up housing costs in our 2 countries,” said International Trade Minister Mary Ng said in a statement.
In the latest installment of this never-ending fight between the two countries, the United States announced in late July the maintenance of duties after the fourth administrative reviews by the United States Department of Commerce.
The news was poorly received in Ottawa, where Minister Ng said the duties were hurting American businesses and the economy.
The new rates are applied retroactively to exports from certain companies made in 2021.
The United States has long accused Canada of subsidizing the softwood lumber sector, which would constitute unfair competition that must be mitigated by the imposition of import duties.
“Canada remains ready and willing to discuss a negotiated solution to the dispute, which will provide the stability and predictability the sector needs to ensure its continued growth and success,” the minister said.
The federal Tories hammered last month that “the Liberals are not doing the essential work required to bring both sides back to the negotiating table” in the dossier.
2023-08-22 14:42:44
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