Hopes for negotiated agreement dim as softwood lumber deadline looms

Time is about to run out on the possibility of a negotiated deal on softwood lumber trade with the US.

Despite a recent meeting between Canadian lumber industry and US trade representatives and Canadian International Trade Minister Chrystia Freeland, it looks like the standstill period will end without an agreement being reached.

As of Oct. 13, the US will be able to begin levying tariffs against Canadian lumber products.

Susan Yurkovich, president of the BC Lumber Trade Council, participated in the meeting on October 5 and released this statement.

“We recognize that these discussions are challenging and greatly appreciate the leadership of the Prime Minister, Minister Freeland, Premier Clark and Minister Thomson on this issue. They have made achieving an agreement on softwood lumber a top priority and we know they will continue these efforts until a new agreement is reached.”

While attempts to reach a negotiated deal will continue, the possibility of tariffs is looming.

“BCLTC will continue to be actively engaged in supporting government’s discussions. At the same time, we are also preparing to work alongside the Canadian government to defend the industry against any potential trade actions brought by the United States, as we have done successfully in the past.”

BC produces half of the country’s softwood lumber exports that go the US. The province would bear the brunt of job losses if the US reinstates tariffs on Canadian wood products.

Before an agreement was signed in 2006, an estimated 10,000 forestry industry jobs were lost.