The U.S. Lumber Coalition is sounding the alarm over what it describes as Canada’s ongoing attempts to sidestep accountability for unfair softwood lumber trade practices, which the coalition claims have severely harmed American lumber producers, workers, and rural communities.
The criticism comes after the U.S. Department of Commerce reaffirmed that Canadian subsidies and dumping of softwood lumber into the U.S. market have worsened in recent years. The coalition estimates that Canada’s actions could result in an additional $1.3 billion in duties based on its 2023 trade behavior alone.
“Canada’s solution to a problem of its own making is to seek a bailout from the Trump Administration while dodging consequences for trade violations confirmed by the Department of Commerce,” said Zoltan van Heyningen, Executive Director of the U.S. Lumber Coalition. “They want to use U.S. border tax revenues—paid by Canadian exporters in violation of U.S. trade laws—as a handout to themselves and as a payoff to drop the trade case. It’s outrageous.”
According to van Heyningen, Canadian efforts to secure relief could result in continued dumping of excess lumber into the American market, further harming U.S. producers and distorting supply chains.
Andrew Miller, Chairman and Owner of Stimson Lumber Company, echoed the coalition’s concerns. “Canada is asking the U.S. government to use taxpayer funds to bail out their industry from the consequences of cheating,” he said. “That is an insult to the hard-working men and women of the American forestry sector.”
The coalition also raised concerns over Canada’s sharp expansion of production capacity. Since 2016, Canada has reportedly tripled its excess softwood lumber capacity, now estimated at 8.7 billion board feet.
“Instead of managing overproduction, Canada has focused on ramping up shipments to the U.S. and increasing subsidies to its industry,” said Miller. “If left unchallenged, this approach threatens the stability of American lumber production and jobs.”
The U.S. Lumber Coalition urged continued strong enforcement of trade laws under former President Trump, expressing confidence in his commitment to achieving softwood lumber self-sufficiency for the United States.
The group represents a cross-section of U.S. softwood lumber producers, employees, and forestland owners advocating for fair trade and full enforcement of U.S. trade laws.
By: DNU staff