Statement by Canada on U.S. International Trade Commission vote on duties on Canadian softwood lumber

December 7, 2017 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement in response to the vote by the United States International Trade Commission finding material injury to U.S. industry from imports of certain Canadian softwood lumber products:

“Canada’s forest industry sustains good, middle-class jobs across our country, including in our rural and Indigenous communities. The Government of Canada will continue to vigorously defend our industry, workers and communities against protectionist trade measures.

“As we have said throughout this dispute, punitive U.S. countervailing and anti-dumping duties on Canadian softwood lumber are unwarranted and troubling. They are harmful to Canada and to lumber consumers in the United States.

“In recent weeks, Canada has begun legal challenges against the U.S. duties on Canadian softwood under NAFTA and before the WTO. We will continue to consult with the provinces, the territories and Canadian industry and workers on a durable solution to this vital issue.

Contacts

Adam Austen
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
Adam.Austen@international.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
Follow us on Twitter: @CanadaTrade
Like us on Facebook: Canada’s international trade - Global Affairs Canada