By Nelson Bennett
Business in Vancouver
The Canada-U.S. Softwood Lumber Agreement (SLA) expires on October 12, nine years after it was last renewed. When it does, Canadian lumber producers will have an advantage in the American market because the duties they now pay will be gone and they will be getting $0.25 on the dollar more for their lumber, thanks to the weak Canadian dollar. That’s just the sort of advantage that irritates American producers, who have a history of lobbying for – and getting – countervailing duties against Canadian lumber. With American and Canadian governments more focused on the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement – which could have serious consequences for the coastal forest industry, according to one industry analyst – there appears to be little urgency on either side of the border to renew the SLA, according to a new Canada West Foundation report.
Related Post
Province increases funding for community forest wildfire risk reduction
News Release We are pleased to announce that the
BC introduces new measures on old growth, innovation, forest stewardship
New announcement on process and funding for policy reforms