Softwood Lumber Recent Developments
2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012
2024
22-04-2024 – United States Department of Commerce announces the selection of respondents for the sixth administrative reviews of the softwood lumber countervailing and anti-dumping duty orders
On April 10, 2024, the U.S. Department of Commerce selected Canfor and West Fraser as mandatory respondents for the sixth administrative review of the softwood lumber anti-dumping duty order.
On April 22, 2024, the U.S. Department of Commerce selected Canfor and West Fraser as mandatory respondents for the sixth administrative review of the countervailing duty order.
For additional information on the administrative review process, please consult the Frequently Asked Questions section of this website.
05-03-2024 – United States Department of Commerce initiates its sixth administrative reviews of the softwood lumber countervailing and anti-dumping duty orders
On March 5, 2024, the U.S. Department of Commerce published the Notice of Initiation of its sixth administrative reviews of the softwood lumber countervailing and anti-dumping duty orders.
The next step in administrative reviews is the selection of mandatory and voluntary respondents, which is expected in late March or early April 2024.
For additional information on the administrative review process, please consult the Frequently Asked Questions section of this website.
01-02-2024 – United States Department of Commerce announces the preliminary results of its fifth administrative reviews of anti-dumping and countervailing duty orders on imports of certain Canadian softwood lumber products
On February 1, 2024, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced the preliminary results of its fifth administrative reviews with respect to imports of softwood lumber products from Canada. These results do not take effect, but may serve as an indication of the final duty rates the U.S. Department of Commerce will issue later in 2024.
The Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development, issued a statement in response to these preliminary results by the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Preliminary Results – Fifth administrative reviews (Do not take effect) Company Anti-dumping Duty Rate Countervailing Duty Rate Combined Duty Rates Canfor Corporation 9.65% 6.14% 15.79% West Fraser Mills Ltd. 5.33% 6.74% 12.07% J.D. Irving Ltd. 7.15%
(non-selected all others rate)3.88% 11.03% Tolko Industries Ltd. 7.15%
(non-selected all others rate)9.61% 16.76% Resolute FP Canada Inc 7.15%
(non-selected all others rate)6.71%
(non-selected all others rate)13.86%
(non-selected all others rate)Non-Selected Respondents (All Others) 7.15% 6.71% 13.86% 29-01-2024 - Canada formally launches challenge to sunset review results
On January 29, 2024, Canada filed a request for a panel to review the U.S. International Trade Commission’s sunset review final determinations on anti-dumping and countervailing duties on softwood lumber products from Canada, thereby formally launching the challenge under Chapter 10 of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement.
17-01-2024 - Minister Ng announces Canada’s intention to challenge the U.S. International Trade Commission’s final determination on Canadian softwood lumber duties
On January 17, 2024, Canada filed a notice that it intends to challenge the U.S. International Trade Commission’s sunset review final determination. Canada intends to launch this challenge through Chapter 10 of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement.
The Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development, issued a statement on this development.
2023
28-12-2023 - The U.S. International Trade Commission published its final sunset review determination on softwood lumber from Canada
On December 28, 2023, the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) published its final sunset review determination in the U.S. Federal Register. In November, the USITC voted to maintain the duty orders imposed on Canadian softwood lumber products.
30-11-2023 – Statement by the Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development on the results of the U.S. International Trade Commission’s (USITC) sunset reviews on softwood lumber products from Canada
On November 30, 2023, as part of its five-year sunset reviews, the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) voted to maintain the anti-dumping (AD) and countervailing duty (CVD) orders on softwood lumber from Canada, on the grounds that the revocation would likely lead to the continuation or recurrence of material injury to the U.S. domestic industry. As such, the United States will continue to impose AD and CVD duties on Canadian softwood lumber products.
The Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development, issued a statement regarding this outcome.
For additional information on sunset reviews, please consult the Frequently Asked Questions section of this website.
05-10-2023 – Statement by Minister Ng on NAFTA Chapter 19 panel initial decision regarding U.S. dumping duties on Canadian softwood lumber
On October 5, 2023, a NAFTA Chapter 19 panel published its initial decision regarding Canada’s challenge of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s anti-dumping duties on softwood lumber. Canada welcomes the Panel’s finding that the U.S. anti-dumping duties on Canadian softwood lumber are inconsistent with U.S. law.
The Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development, issued a statement on this development.
01-09-2023 – Statement by Minister Ng on Canada’s Challenges to U.S. Softwood Lumber Duties
On September 1, 2023, Canada announced that it is challenging the final results of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s fourth administrative reviews of the U.S. anti-dumping and countervailing duty orders on softwood lumber products from Canada. The challenge of the results related to the countervailing duty order will proceed through Chapter 10 of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), while the challenge of the results pertaining to the anti-dumping duty order will proceed through the U.S. Court of International Trade.
The Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development, issued a statement regarding this development.
Read the statement by Minister Ng on Canada’s challenges to U.S. softwood lumber duties.
27-07-2023 – Statement by Minister Ng on U.S. duties on softwood lumber products from Canada
On July 27, 2023, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced the final results of its fourth administrative reviews of the countervailing and anti-dumping duty orders on softwood lumber products from Canada.
The Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development, issued a statement regarding these duties.
The new duty rates listed below will take effect once they are published in the U.S. Federal Register.
For additional information on administrative reviews, please consult the Frequently Asked Questions section of this website.
Fourth Administrative Review Final Results Company Final anti-dumping duty rate Final countervailing duty rate Combined final duty rates Canfor Corporation 5.25% 1.36% 6.61% West Fraser Mills Ltd. 6.96% 2.19% 9.15% J.D. Irving Ltd. 6.20% (All Others) 1.72% 7.92% All Others 6.20% 1.79% 7.99% 19-04-2023 – United States Department of Commerce announces the selection of respondents for the fifth administrative reviews of the softwood lumber countervailing and anti-dumping duty orders
On April 11, 2023, the U.S. Department of Commerce selected Canfor and West Fraser as mandatory respondents for the fifth administrative review of the softwood lumber anti-dumping duty order.
On April 19, 2023, the U.S. Department of Commerce selected Canfor and West Fraser as mandatory respondents for the fifth administrative review of the countervailing duty order.
For additional information on the administrative review process, please consult the Frequently Asked Questions section of this website.
03-04-2023 – United States Department of Commerce issues the final results of its first sunset reviews on softwood lumber from Canada
On March 27 and April 3, 2023, the U.S. Department of Commerce issued the final results of its first sunset review of the countervailing and anti-dumping duty orders on softwood lumber products from Canada, respectively.
In its decision, Commerce stated that, if duties on Canadian softwood lumber products were revoked, there would likely be a continuation or recurrence of countervailable subsidies and dumping.
These results do not impact the countervailing and anti-dumping duty rates currently in effect.
For additional information about the sunset reviews, please consult the Frequently Asked Questions section of this website.
14-03-2023 – United States Department of Commerce initiates its fifth administrative reviews of the softwood lumber countervailing and anti-dumping duty orders
On March 14, 2023, the U.S. Department of Commerce published the Notice of Initiation of its fifth administrative reviews of the softwood lumber countervailing and anti-dumping duty orders.
The next step in administrative reviews is the selection of mandatory and voluntary respondents, which is expected in late March or early April 2023.
For additional information on the administrative review process, please consult the Frequently Asked Questions section of this website.
24-01-2023 – United States Department of Commerce announces the preliminary results of its fourth administrative reviews of anti-dumping duty and countervailing duty orders on imports of certain Canadian softwood lumber products
On January 24, 2023, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced the preliminary results of its fourth administrative reviews with respect to imports of softwood lumber products from Canada. These results do not take effect, but may serve as an indication of the final duty rates the U.S. Department of Commerce is expected to issue in the summer of 2023.
The Honorable Mary Ng, Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development, issued a statement in response to these preliminary results by the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Preliminary Results – Fourth administrative reviews (Do not take effect) Company Anti-dumping Duty Rate Countervailing Duty Rate Combined Duty Rates Canfor Corporation 5.25% 2.04% 7.29% Resolute Forest Products Canada Inc. 6.05% (All Others) 2.19% (All Others) 8.24% West Fraser Mills Ltd. 6.90% 2.48% 9.38% J.D. Irving Ltd. 6.05% (All Others) 1.72% 7.77% Non-Selected Respondents (All Others) 6.05% 2.19% 8.24%
2022
29-08-2022 – Minister Ng announces Canada’s intention to challenge U.S. softwood lumber duties under CUSMA Chapter 10
On August 29, 2022, Canada filed notices that it intends to challenge the final results of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s third administrative reviews of the United States’ anti-dumping and countervailing duty orders on softwood lumber products from Canada under Chapter 10 of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).
The Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development, issued a statement on this development.
04-08-2022 – Statement by Minister Ng on U.S. duties on softwood lumber products from Canada
On August 4, 2022, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced the final results of its third administrative reviews of the countervailing and anti-dumping duty orders on softwood lumber products from Canada.
The Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development, issued a statement regarding these duties.
The new duty rates listed below will take effect once they are published in the U.S. Federal Register.
For additional information on administrative reviews, please consult the Frequently Asked Questions section of this website.
Third administrative review final results Company Final anti-dumping duty rate Final countervailing duty rate Combined final duty rates Canfor Corporation 4.92% 0.95% 5.87% Resolute Forest Products Canada Inc. 4.76% (all others) 10.10% (mandatory respondent) 14.86% West Fraser Mills Ltd. 4.63% 3.62% 8.25% J.D. Irving Ltd. 11.59% (AR2 rate) 2.41% 14.00% All Others 4.76% 3.83% 8.59% 29-04-2022 – United States Department of Commerce announces the selection of respondents for the fourth administrative reviews of the softwood lumber countervailing and anti-dumping duty orders
On April 29, 2022, the U.S. Department of Commerce selected Canfor and West Fraser as mandatory respondents for the fourth administrative review of the softwood lumber anti-dumping duty order.
On April 28, 2022, Canfor and West Fraser were selected as mandatory respondents for the fourth administrative review of the countervailing duty order.
For additional information on the administrative review process, please consult the Frequently Asked Questions section of this website.
09-03-2022 – United States Department of Commerce initiates its fourth administrative reviews of the softwood lumber countervailing and anti-dumping duty orders
On March 9, 2022, the U.S. Department of Commerce published the notice of initiation of its fourth administrative reviews of the softwood lumber countervailing and anti-dumping duty orders.
The next step in administrative reviews is the selection of mandatory and voluntary respondents, which is expected in late March or early April 2022.
For additional information on the administrative review process, please consult the Frequently Asked Questions section of this website.
31-01-2022 – United States Department of Commerce announces the preliminary results of its third administrative reviews of anti-dumping duty and countervailing duty orders on imports of Canadian softwood lumber products
On January 31, 2022, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced the preliminary results of its third administrative reviews with respect to imports of softwood lumber products from Canada. These results do not take effect, but may serve as an indication of the final duty rates the U.S. Department of Commerce is expected to issue in the summer of 2022.
Minister Ng issued a statement in response to these preliminary results by the U.S. Department of Commerce.
AR3 Preliminary Results (Do not take effect)
Company Anti-dumping Duty Rate Countervailing Duty Rate Combined Duty Rates Canfor Corporation 4.92% 1.83% 6.75% Resolute Forest Products Canada Inc. 4.76% (all others) 15.48% 20.24% West Fraser Mills Ltd. 4.63% 8.46% 13.09% J.D. Irving Ltd. 4.76% (all others) 2.33% 7.09% All Others 4.76% 6.88% 11.64% 10-01-2022 – Notice of Amended Final Results of the Countervailing Duty Second Administrative Review issued by the U.S. Department of Commerce
On January 10, 2022, the U.S. Department of Commerce amended the notice of final results for its second administrative review of the countervailing duty order on softwood lumber products from Canada, covering entries from 2019. This amendment was made following Ministerial error corrections, which affected the countervailing duty rate for West Fraser Mills Ltd. and J.D. Irving Ltd. This also resulted in a 0.01% increase to the “all others” rate. This amendment is effective as of January 10, 2022, and it will replace the final countervailing duty rates previously published on December 2, 2021.
Amended final duty rates:
Company Anti-dumping Duty Rate (2019) Countervailing Duty Rate (2019) Combined Duty Rates (2019) Canfor Corporation 17.12 % 2.42 % 19.54 % Resolute Forest Products Canada Inc. 11.59 % (all others) 18.07 % 29.66 % West Fraser Mills Ltd. 6.06 % 5.08 % 11.14 % J.D. Irving Ltd. 11.59 % (all others) 3.46 % 15.05 % All Others 11.59 % 6.32 % 17.91 % Please direct any questions or comments to Global Affairs Canada: softwood.boisdoeuvre@international.gc.ca
2021
21-12-2021 – Minister Ng announces Canada’s challenges to U.S. softwood lumber duties under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement
On December 21, 2021, Canada filed notices that it will be challenging the final results of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s second administrative reviews of the United States’ anti-dumping and countervailing duty orders on softwood lumber from Canada under Chapter 10 of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).
The Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development, issued a statement on this development.
24-11-2021 – Statement by the Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development about U.S. Duties on Canadian Softwood Lumber
On November 24, 2021, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced the final results of its second administrative reviews of the countervailing and anti-dumping duty orders on Canadian softwood lumber.
The Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development, issued a statement regarding these duties.
The new duty rates listed below will take effect once they are published in the U.S. Federal Register.
For additional information on administrative reviews, please consult the Frequently Asked Questions section of this website.
Second administrative review final results Company Final anti-dumping duty rate Final countervailing duty rate Combined final duty rates Canfor Corporation 17.12 % 2.42 % 19.54 % Resolute Forest Products Canada Inc. 11.59 % (all others) 18.07% 29.66 % West Fraser Mills Ltd. 6.06 % 5.06 % 11.12 % J.D. Irving Ltd. 11.59 % (all others) 3.41 % 15.0 % All Others 11.59 % 6.31 % 17.9 % 21-05-2021 – Statement by the Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade about the U.S. Second Administrative Review Preliminary Results
On May 21, 2021, the U.S. Department of Commerce issued the preliminary results for its second administrative reviews of anti-dumping and countervailing duty orders on certain softwood lumber products from Canada.
The Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade, issued a statement regarding these preliminary duties.
Preliminary results do not take effect. Only final results take effect upon publication in the U.S. Federal Register.
For additional information on the administrative review process, please consult the Frequently Asked Questions section of this website.
20-04-2021 – United States Department of Commerce announces the selection of mandatory respondents for the third administrative reviews of the softwood lumber countervailing and anti-dumping duty orders
On April 14, 2021, the U.S. Department of Commerce selected Canfor and West Fraser as mandatory respondents for the third administrative review of the softwood lumber anti-dumping duty order.
On April 20, 2021, Canfor, Resolute, and West Fraser were selected as mandatory respondents for the third administrative review of the countervailing duty order.
For additional information on the administrative review process, please consult the Frequently Asked Questions section of this website.
12-03-2021 – United States Department of Commerce issues a scope ruling regarding Canadian cedar shakes and shingles
On March 12, 2021, the U.S. Department of Commerce issued a scope ruling in response to a request by Canada, and found that exports of certain Canadian cedar shakes and shingles, regardless of the producer or exporter, are not covered by the scope of the U.S. duty orders on softwood lumber.
For additional information regarding the cedar shakes and shingles file, please consult the Frequently Asked Questions section of this website.
04-03-2021 – United States Department of Commerce initiates its third administrative reviews of the softwood lumber countervailing and anti-dumping duty orders
The U.S. Department of Commerce published the notice of initiation of its third administrative reviews of the softwood lumber countervailing and anti-dumping duty orders on March 4, 2021.
The next step in administrative reviews is the selection of mandatory and voluntary respondents, which is expected in late March or early April 2021.
For additional information on the administrative review process, please consult the Frequently Asked Questions section of this website.
2020
11-12-2020 – Statement by Minister Ng on Canada’s CUSMA Chapter 10 challenge of U.S. duties on Canadian softwood lumber
On December 11, 2020, the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade, issued a statement regarding Canada’s request for a panel review under CUSMA Chapter 10 regarding the final results of the first administrative review of U.S. countervailing duties on imports of Canadian softwood lumber.
24-11-2020 – Statement by the Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade about U.S. duties on Canadian softwood lumber
On November 24, 2020, the U.S. Department of Commerce issued the final results for its first administrative reviews of anti-dumping and countervailing duty orders on certain softwood lumber products from Canada.
The Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade, issued a statement regarding these duties.
For additional information on the first administrative review final results, please consult the Frequently Asked Questions section of this website.
28-09-2020 – Statement by the Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade on U.S. appeal of WTO panel report regarding U.S. countervailing duties on Canadian softwood lumber
On September 28, 2020, the United States appealed the August 2020 WTO panel report on Canada’s challenge of U.S. countervailing duties on softwood lumber.
The Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade, issued a statement regarding the U.S. decision to appeal.
Canada also delivered remarks on the panel report and the U.S. decision to appeal at the WTO Dispute Settlement Body meeting on September 28th.
24-08-2020 – Statement by the Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade on WTO panel report regarding U.S. countervailing duties on Canadian softwood lumber
On August 24, 2020, the WTO Panel ruling on Canada’s challenge of U.S. countervailing duties on softwood lumber released its final report. Canada welcomes the Panel’s finding that U.S. countervailing duties on Canadian softwood lumber are inconsistent with the United States’ WTO obligations.
The Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade, issued a statement regarding this unanimous WTO ruling.
26-06-2020 – United States Department of Commerce issues instructions to U.S. Customs and Border Protection to stop collecting duties on certain cedar shakes and shingles and to refund collected amounts
On June 26, 2020, the U.S. Department of Commerce published a notice of its revised determination regarding cedar shakes and shingles in the U.S. Federal Register. It also issued instructions to U.S. Customs and Border Protection to cease collection of cash deposits for certain shakes and shingles, and to liquidate and refund cash deposits paid on the relevant past entries.
For additional information on cedar shakes and shingles, please consult the Frequently asked questions section of this website.
22-05-2020 – NAFTA Chapter 19 Panel upholds United States International Trade Commission decision
On May 22, the NAFTA Chapter 19 Injury Panel issued its ruling on Canada’s challenge of the U.S. International Trade Commission’s (ITC) determination on remand and affirmed the ITC’s decision that imports of Canadian softwood lumber products materially injured U.S. domestic industry.
20-04-2020 – United States Court of International Trade upholds United States Department of Commerce’s decision that Canadian cedar shakes and shingles are outside the scope of the U.S. softwood lumber duty orders
On April 20, 2020, the U.S. Court of International Trade sustained the remand determination issued by the U.S. Department of Commerce to exclude cedar shakes and shingles from the U.S. softwood lumber countervailing and anti-dumping duty orders.
The U.S. Department of Commerce is now required to publish a notice of its revised determination and publish instructions to U.S. Customs and Border Protection to cease the collection of duties on imports of Canadian cedar shakes and shingles.
10-03-2020 – United States Department of Commerce initiates its second administrative reviews of the softwood lumber countervailing and anti-dumping duty orders
On March 10, 2020, the U.S. Department of Commerce published the notice of initiation of its second administrative reviews of the softwood lumber countervailing and anti-dumping duty orders.
Companies interested in participating in these proceedings had to submit their requests to the U.S. Department of Commerce via the ACCESS website by 5:00 p.m. ET on January 31, 2020.
For additional information on the administrative review process, please consult the Frequently Asked Questions section of this website.
13-02-2020 – United States Department of Commerce issues its final redetermination on cedar shakes and shingles
On February 13, 2020, the U.S. Department of Commerce issued its final redetermination excluding cedar shakes and shingles from the scope of the U.S. softwood lumber countervailing and anti-dumping duty orders.
As a reminder, on November 13, 2019, the U.S. Court of International Trade (CIT) had found that the U.S. Department of Commerce’s ruling that cedar shakes and shingles were within the scope of the U.S. softwood lumber anti-dumping and countervailing duty orders was not in accordance with U.S. law. The U.S. CIT had ordered the U.S. Department of Commerce to issue a redetermination.
For additional information, please consult the Frequently Asked Questions section of this website.
2019
13-11-2019 – United States Court of International Trade overturns ruling that cedar shakes and shingles are within the scope of U.S. softwood lumber duty orders
On November 13, 2019, the U.S. Court of International Trade (CIT) found that the U.S. Department of Commerce’s ruling that cedar shakes and shingles are within the scope of the U.S. softwood lumber anti-dumping and countervailing duty orders was not in accordance with U.S. law. The U.S. CIT ordered the U.S. Department of Commerce to issue a redetermination.
For additional information on cedar shakes and shingles, please consult the Frequently Asked Questions section of this website.
05-09-2019 – Statement by the Minister of Foreign Affairs on NAFTA panel decision
On September 4, 2019, the NAFTA Chapter 19 Panel established to ruleon Canada’s challenge of the U.S. International Trade Commission’s (ITC) decision that imports of Canadian softwood lumber products materially injured U.S. domestic industry, issued its interim decision. Canada welcomes the Panel’s finding that that there was insufficient evidence for the U.S. ITC to make a determination of injury.
The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Foreign Affairs, issued a statement regarding this unanimous NAFTA Chapter 19 binational panel decision.
05-07-2019 – United States Department of Commerce releases final results of countervailing duty expedited review
On July 5, 2019, the U.S. Department of Commerce published its final results in the expedited review process. All nine Canadian companies participating in the process received significantly lower countervailing duty rates than the current “all-others” rate of 14.19%.
Five of the nine companies received de minimis final duty rates. These five companies will have their cash deposits refunded and will be permanently excluded from the U.S. countervailing duty order.
04-06-2019 – Canada appeals aspects of WTO panel report regarding U.S. dumping duties on Canadian softwood lumber
On June 4, 2019, Canada formally appealed certain aspects of the Final Report of the WTO Panel ruling on Canada’s WTO challenge of U.S. anti-dumping duties on softwood lumber. Notably, Canada appealed the Panel’s findings on the U.S. practice of zeroing and its use of the Differential Pricing Methodology.
15-04-2019 – Statement by the Minister of Foreign Affairs on WTO panel report regarding U.S. dumping duties on Canadian softwood lumber
On April 9, 2019, the WTO Panel ruling on Canada’s WTO challenge of U.S. anti-dumping duties on softwood lumber released its final report. Canada welcomes the Panel’s finding that the United States improperly calculated its anti-dumping duties on Canadian softwood lumber but disagrees with certain findings regarding “zeroing”.
The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Foreign Affairs, issued a statement on this development.
01-04-2019 – United States Department of Commerce initiates its first administrative reviews in the ongoing trade remedy proceedings into certain softwood lumber products from Canada
On April 1, 2019, the U.S. Department of Commerce initiated its first administrative reviews of the softwood lumber anti-dumping and countervailing duty orders. The initiation of these proceedings was delayed due to the U.S. government shutdown between December 22, 2018, and January 25, 2019.
For more information on the administrative review process, please see the Frequently Asked Questions section of this website.
2018
01-03-2018 – United Stated Department of Commerce initiates the expedited review process in the ongoing trade remedy proceedings into certain softwood lumber products from Canada.
On March 1, 2018, the United States Department of Commerce (Commerce) initiated the expedited review process in the ongoing U.S. trade remedy proceedings into certain softwood lumber products from Canada. The U.S. Department of Commerce has initiated expedited reviews for 33 of the 34 Canadian companies that requested such a review, and has granted a rescission request for the 34th company, which will therefore not undergo an expedited review.
On March 6, 2018, the U.S. Department of Commerce issued initial questionnaires for each company undertaking a review.
Please see the Frequently Asked Questions section of this website for further information on a variety of related topics, including the expected process, guidance provided by Commerce to date, next steps and deadlines.
01-02-2018 –United States Department of Commerce to toll (extend) all deadlines related to the ongoing countervailing (CVD) and anti-dumping (AD) duty trade remedy proceedings into certain softwood lumber products from Canada
On January 23, 2018, the Enforcement and Compliance section of the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce), International Trade Administration, announced that it is exercising its discretion to toll all deadlines for the duration of the recent shutdown of the U.S. Federal Government. Deadlines will be extended by 3 days – the duration of the closure.
According to the U.S. memorandum, the day on which any submission to Enforcement and Compliance is due should be calculated under the regulations as usual, except with the addition of the number of shutdown days.
It includes deadlines for actions by Enforcement and Compliance (such as preliminary and final determinations in investigations and administrative reviews in AD/CVD proceedings), as well as deadlines for actions by parties to our proceedings (such as the submission of AD/CVD questionnaire responses, supplemental questionnaire responses, pre- and post-hearing briefs, etc.).
If the new deadline falls on a weekend or a Federal holiday, in accordance with past practice, the deadline will be moved to the next business day.
01-02-2018 – Partial refund of specified anti-dumping duty cash deposits for certain softwood lumber products from Canada pursuant to the amended final anti-dumping determination for the period 08-11-2017 through 02-01-2018
On January 24, 2018, the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) issued instructions to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) authorizing refunds for the difference between the original anti-dumping final determination duty rate and the amended anti-dumping final determination duty rate, for certain softwood lumber products from Canada. The refunds apply only to certain shipments entered from November 8, 2017 (the date of publication of the original anti-dumping final determination in the U.S. Federal Register) through to January 2, 2018 (the day before the date of publication of the amended anti-dumping final determination in the Federal Register).
Consistent with past practice, and in accordance with 19 U.S.C. 1520(a)(4) of the U.S. statute, which authorizes the refund of excess cash deposits prior to liquidation, Commerce instructions state that CBP is authorized to grant a refund, if requested by the importer, of cash deposits for entries of certain softwood lumber products (see chart below) which were entered, or withdrawn from warehouse, for consumption during the period November 8, 2017 through January 2, 2018.
The instructions indicate that the refund amount will be calculated by determining the difference between the amount of cash deposits paid as a result of the application of the final anti-dumping duty rate and the amount due as a result of the application of the amended final anti-dumping duty rate.
Amended final anti-dumping rates:
Company Original final Anti-dumping duty rate Amended final anti-dumping duty rate Difference between November 1, 2017 rate and amended rate Canfor Corporation 8.89% 7.28% -1.61% All others 6.58% 6.04% -0.54% Please direct any questions or comments to Global Affairs Canada: softwood.boisdoeuvre@international.gc.ca
- 03-01-2018 – Statement by the Minister of Foreign Affairs on final U.S. duties on Canadian softwood lumber
Minister Freeland issued a statement regarding the imposition today by the United States of final countervailing and anti-dumping duties on imports of certain Canadian softwood lumber products.
2017
- 20-12-2017 – Softwood Lumber Export Permit Monitoring Program - continued use of the Canadian tariff classifications set out in Annex 1B of the 2006 Softwood Lumber Agreement
This message is in reference to the message posted on January 23, 2016 titled “For the purposes of the Softwood Lumber Export Permit Monitoring Program use of the HS 2017 changes will be delayed until January 1st, 2018”.
Please note that, for the purposes of the Softwood Lumber Export Permit Monitoring Program, the Softwood Lumber Division will not implement the HS 2017 changes as originally indicated in the January 23rd, 2016 message. When applying for an export permit, Exporters and Brokers of Softwood Lumber Products should continue to use the Canadian tariff classifications set out in Annex 1B of the Softwood Lumber Agreement Between the Government of Canada and the Government of the United States of America, signed on September 12, 2006, as it read on October 12, 2015.
For further information please contact:
Sylvain Emond
Softwood Lumber Division
343-203-3723
Sylvain.emond@international.gc.ca - 07-12-2017 – United States International Trade Commission votes for an affirmative final determination of material injury and makes a final negative critical circumstances determination
On December 7, 2017, the U.S. International Trade Commission voted for an affirmative final determination of material injury. The U.S. International Trade Commission also made a negative final critical circumstances determination in regards to anti-dumping duties.
As a result of this material injury final determination, preliminary cash deposits paid to date for imports of Canadian softwood lumber products that fall within the scope of the U.S. investigations will be held by the U.S. government pending the first administrative review.
As a result of the negative critical circumstances determination, all importers of record that paid retroactive anti-dumping duties will be refunded. This refund process may take several months to complete.
- 07-12-2017 – Statement by Minister Freeland in response to the United States International Trade Commission vote on duties on Canadian softwood lumber
Minister Freeland issued a statement in response to the vote by the United States International Trade Commission finding material injury to U.S. industry from imports of certain softwood lumber products from Canada.
- 04-12-2017 – United States Department of Commerce amends the original final determination rates in its countervailing and anti-dumping duty investigations into imports of certain Canadian softwood lumber products in a Ministerial correction memorandum.
On December 4, 2017, the U.S. Department of Commerce amended its final anti-dumping and countervailing duty rates for two mandatory respondents with respect to imports of certain softwood lumber products from Canada, in agreement with some, but not all, of the proposed corrections put forward by Canadian investigated companies.
The U.S. Department of Commerce has agreed to amend its November 1, 2017 final anti-dumping duty rate for Canfor Corporation from the “original” final rate of 8.89% to 7.28%, and the final countervailing duty rate for West Fraser Mills Ltd. from the “original” final rate of 18.19% to 17.99%. As a result, the U.S. Department of Commerce also amended the “all others” anti-dumping duty rate from the “original” final rate of 6.58% to 6.04% and the “all others” countervailing duty rate from the “original” final rate of 14.25% to 14.19%, as outlined below.
Amended final anti-dumping rates:
Company Anti-dumping duty rate in November 1, 2017 Final Determination Amended final anti-dumping duty rate Difference between November 1, 2017 rate and amended rate Canfor Corporation 8.89% 7.28% -1.61% All others 6.58% 6.04% -0.54% Amended final countervailing duty rates:
Company Countervailing duty rate in November 1, 2017 Final Determination Amended final countervailing duty rate Difference between November 1, 2017 rate and amended rate West Fraser Mills Ltd. 18.19% 17.99% -0.20% All others 14.25% 14.19% -0.06% Effective Date of “Amended” Duty Rates
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection has been collecting anti-dumping cash deposits at the erroneous “original” final anti-dumping duty rate of 6.58% for “all others”. Final “amended” anti-dumping and countervailing duty cash deposit rates will be implemented once the U.S. Department of Commerce issues instructions to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection to adjust their collection rate. It is important to note that the U.S. Department of Commerce will instruct U.S. Customs and Border Protection to collect final anti-dumping and countervailing duty cash deposits going back to December 28, 2017 (the date of publication of the International Trade Commission’s final determination in the U.S. Federal Register). Therefore, while final anti-dumping and countervailing cash deposits at the “amended” duty rates may not be collected immediately, they will be in force as of 12:00 a.m. on December 28, 2017.
In past cases, U.S. Customs and Border Protection was authorized to refund the difference between the erroneous “original” final duty rates and the new “amended” final duty rates for all imports that entered the United States on or after the date of publication of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s final anti-dumping duty determination (which was on November 8, in this case). It is important to note that U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s normal practice is to only issue refunds when requested by an importer. Such refunds should be processed within several months.
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection may also issue retroactive invoices for countervailing duty cash deposits for imports which took place between December 28, 2017 (the date of publication of the U.S. International Trade Commission’s final determination) and the date of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s instructions to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, which will be issued following the publication of the duty Orders on January 3, 2018. Invoices would be due upon receipt.
Duties Collected During Anti-Dumping “Gap Period”
The U.S. Tariff Act allows the provisional collection of anti-dumping duty cash deposits to remain in effect for only 180 days (in this case, from 12:00 a.m. on June 30, 2017 to 11:59 p.m. on December 26, 2017).
A “gap period” in the authorized collection of anti-dumping cash deposits thus began as of 12:00 a.m. on December 27, 2017. The authorized collection of cash deposits resumed as of 12:00 a.m. on December 28, 2017, the date of publication of the U.S. International Trade Commission’s final determination in the U.S. Federal Register.
For any anti-dumping duty cash deposits that were collected on imports entering the United States during the one-day anti-dumping “gap period” on December 27, 2017, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s normal practice is to issue instructions to U.S. Customs and Border Protection ordering the refund of any anti-dumping cash deposits that were incorrectly collected.
29-11-2017 – Canada requests WTO consultations on U.S. duties on Canadian softwood lumber
On November 28, 2017, Canada formally requested World Trade Organization (WTO) consultations with the United States concerning the U.S. Department of Commerce’s recent final anti-dumping and countervailing duty determinations on imports of certain softwood lumber products from Canada.
Statement: Canada requests WTO consultations on U.S. duties on Canadian softwood lumber
08-11-2017 – United States Department of Commerce publishes its final determinations in the countervailing and anti-dumping investigations into imports of certain Canadian softwood lumber products in the U.S. Federal Register, and the final scope definition takes effect
On November 8, 2017, the U.S. Department of Commerce published its final determinations in their anti-dumping and countervailing duty investigations into imports of certain softwood lumber products from Canada, in the U.S. Federal Register.
Final anti-dumping and countervailing duties will not take effect until the date of publication of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s final duty Orders in the U.S. Federal Register. This is expected in December 2017 or January 2018. However, the U.S. Department of Commerce will instruct U.S. Customs and Border Protection to collect final anti-dumping and countervailing duties as of the date of publication of the International Trade Commission’s final determination in the U.S. Federal Register.
The International Trade Commission’s final determination is due 45 days from the date of publication of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s final determinations in the U.S. Federal Register. Therefore, while final anti-dumping and final countervailing duties will not be collected immediately, they will be in force as of the date of publication of the U.S. International Trade Commission’s final determination in the U.S. Federal Register.
The U.S. Department of Commerce will adjust the anti-dumping cash deposit rates to reflect their final anti-dumping rates. This adjustment to the anti-dumping cash deposit rates will take effect as of 12:00 a.m. on November 8, 2017 (the date of publication of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s final determination in the U.S. Federal Register). There will be no similar adjustment to the collection of countervailing duty cash deposits, as the countervailing duty gap period is in place, during which time no collection of countervailing duty cash deposits can take place.
Final Scope Definition and Exclusions:
The U.S. Department of Commerce’s final scope definition will take effect as of 12:00 a.m. on November 8, 2017.
Exports from Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador should not be subject to anti-dumping and countervailing duties as of 12:00 a.m. on November 8, 2017. These exports must be certified by the Atlantic Lumber Board as having been first produced in these three provinces, and having been harvested from logs in these three provinces. The U.S. Department of Commerce has indicated that following the publication of final duty orders, it will order the U.S. Customs and Border Protection to refund any preliminary anti-dumping and countervailing duties which were accompanied by the Atlantic Lumber Board certificate. The publication of the final duty Orders is expected in December 2017 or January 2018. This refund process may take several months to complete.
Exporters whose products are no longer within the scope of the U.S. investigations should not be subject to anti-dumping and countervailing duties as of 12:00 a.m. on November 8, 2017. Preliminary anti-dumping and countervailing duties paid for products that were preliminarily included in the scope of the U.S. investigations but excluded from the final scope should be refunded.
01-11-2017 – United States Department of Commerce decides to not proceed with a company exclusions process
On November 1, 2017, the U.S. Department of Commerce confirmed that it will not undertake a company exclusions process as part of the current countervailing duty investigation into Canadian softwood lumber products. This is further to the U.S. Department of Commerce April 25, 2017 decision memo on company exclusions that outlined their decision that they lack the authority to conduct a company exclusions process in the context of the current countervailing duty trade remedy proceedings. This decision was taken on the basis that the U.S. Department of Commerce is conducting the proceedings on a company-specific basis, not an aggregate basis.
This decision was taken despite the fact that the Government of Canada filed a written submission to the U.S. Department of Commerce on a proposal for a company exclusions process, offering to work with the Department to further develop the proposal. In addition, the U.S. Lumber Coalition had filed a written submission to the U.S. Department of Commerce which indicated that a limited company exclusions process would be appropriate in this case.
As a result of this decision, Global Affairs Canada will be taking steps to take down the company exclusions e-portal in the coming days. All basic information about companies who applied for the e-portal will be kept on file at Global Affairs Canada for record keeping purposes only. In addition, the dedicated company exclusions phone line and email address will also cease operations immediately.
Please direct any questions or comments to Global Affairs Canada: softwood.boisdoeuvre@international.gc.ca
01-11-2017 – United States Department of Commerce excludes certain softwood lumber products originating in Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador from U.S. duties and issues final scope definition for both the anti-dumping and countervailing duty investigations.
On November 1, 2017, the U.S. Department of Commerce in its final determination, further modified and finalized the scope language of the Initiation Notice originally issued on December 15, 2016. This modification applies to both the anti-dumping and countervailing duty investigations and takes effect as of the date of publication of the final determination in the U.S. Federal Register, which will occur in the coming days.
The final scope definition includes the following language, which outlines two additional exclusions from the scope of the investigations since the preliminary determination:
- Finished products are not covered by the scope of the investigations. For the purposes of the scope, finished products contain, or are comprised of, subject merchandise and have undergone sufficient processing such that they can no longer be considered intermediate products, and such products can be readily differentiated from merchandise subject to this investigation at the time of importation. Such differentiation may, for example, be shown through marks of special adaptation as a particular product. The following products are illustrative of the type of merchandise that is considered “finished,” for the purpose of this scope: I-joists; assembled pallets; cutting boards; assembled picture frames; garage doors.
- The scope of the investigations excludes softwood lumber products certified by the Atlantic Lumber Board as being first produced in the Provinces of Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, or Prince Edward Island from logs harvested in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, or Prince Edward Island.
The Department of Commerce also made some minor adjustments to the HTSUS codes included in the scope definition; however, it should be noted that the inclusion of HTSUS subheadings are provided for convenience and customs purposes, the written description of the scope of the investigations is dispositive.
For a full description of the final scope of the U.S. investigations, please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions section.
Exclusion of Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador:
As of the date of publication of the final determinations in the U.S. Federal Register, exports from Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador to the United States, which are certified by the Atlantic Lumber Board as having been first produced in these three provinces, and having been harvested from logs in these three provinces, should not be subject to anti-dumping and countervailing duties. The publication is expected in the coming days.
The U.S. Department of Commerce has indicated that following the publication of final duty orders, it will order the U.S. Customs and Border Protection to refund any preliminary anti-dumping and countervailing duties which were accompanied by the Atlantic Lumber Board certificate. The publication of the final duty orders are expected in December 2017 or January 2018. This refund process may take several months to complete.
01-11-2017 – United States Department of Commerce announces its final determination in the countervailing and anti-dumping duty investigations into imports of certain Canadian softwood lumber products
On November 1, 2017, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced its final countervailing and anti-dumping determinations with respect to imports of certain softwood lumber products from Canada. The U.S. Department of Commerce has found that the Canadian federal and provincial governments are providing countervailable subsidies to Canadian softwood lumber producers and that the investigated products are being dumped into the United States at prices below those for comparable sales in Canada or below the cost of producing the products.
The U.S. Department of Commerce issued company-specific final countervailing and anti-dumping duty rates for the four mandatory respondents, and a final company-specific countervailing duty rate for the one voluntary respondent J.D. Irving. All other companies will be subject to the “all others” countervailing duty rate of 14.25% and the “all others” anti-dumping duty rate of 6.58%, as outlined below.
Company Final anti-dumping duty rate Final countervailing duty rate Combined final duty rates Canfor Corporation 8.89% 13.24% 22.13% Resolute Forest Products Canada Inc. 3.20% 14.70% 17.90% Tolko Marketing Sales Ltd. 7.22% 14.85% 22.07% West Fraser Mills Ltd 5.57% 18.19% 23.76% J.D. Irving Ltd. 6.58% (All Others) 3.34% 9.92% All Others 6.58% 14.25% 20.83% The U.S. Department of Commerce will adjust the provisional anti-dumping cash deposit rates to reflect their final anti-dumping rates. This adjustment to the provisional anti-dumping cash deposit rates will take effect on the date of publication of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s final determination in the U.S. Federal Register. There will be no similar adjustment to the provisional collection of countervailing duty cash deposits, as the countervailing duty gap period is in place, during which time no collection of countervailing duty cash deposits can take place.
It is also important to note that final anti-dumping and countervailing duties will not begin to be collected until after the publication of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s final duty orders in the U.S. Federal Register. This is expected in December 2017 or January 2018. However, the U.S. Department of Commerce will instruct U.S. Customs and Border Protection to collect final anti-dumping and countervailing duties retroactively as of the date of publication of the International Trade Commission’s final determination in the U.S. Federal Register. Therefore, while final anti-dumping and final countervailing duties will not be collected as of this date, they will be in force as of the date of publication of the U.S. International Trade Commission’s final determination in the U.S. Federal Register.
Retroactive application of countervailing and anti-dumping duties:
On November 1, 2017, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced that it has made a final negative critical circumstances determination in regards to its countervailing duty investigation. As a result, all importers of record that paid retroactive countervailing duties will be refunded.
In addition, the U.S. Department of Commerce made a final affirmative critical circumstances determination in its anti-dumping investigation for all companies, except for Canfor. If the U.S. International Trade Commission makes a final affirmative finding of critical circumstances, final retroactive anti-dumping duties will apply to imports of softwood lumber products captured within the scope of the U.S. investigations from 12:00 a.m. on April 1, 2017, through 11:59 p.m. on June 29, 2017.
The retroactive anti-dumping duties for the “all others” companies would be collected at the final anti-dumping rate of 6.58%
02-11-2017 – Joint Statement by Minister Carr and Minister Freeland in response to United States Department of Commerce countervailing and anti-dumping duty final determination
Minister Freeland and Minister Carr issued a joint statement in response to the final determinations issued by the United States Department of Commerce.
28-08-2017 – The U.S. Department of Commerce announces extension to final determinations in both countervailing and anti-dumping duty investigations into imports of certain Canadian softwood lumber products
On August 28, 2017, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced that it will postpone until no later than November 13, 2017 its final determinations in both the countervailing and anti-dumping duty investigations into imports of certain softwood lumber products from Canada. This is the last day available for Commerce to make these determinations. The announcement of this decision is expected to be released on November 14, 2017.
A Commerce final determination date of November 13, 2017 would be followed by a final injury determination by the U.S. International Trade Commission, no later than December 21, 2017. Final duties would then be imposed upon publication of the final duty order in the U.S. Federal Register. This is expected to occur in late 2017 or early 2018.
Note that both or either of the U.S. Department of Commerce and the U.S. International Trade Commission may issue their respective final determinations prior to the dates listed above, in which case, the final duty order publication date would move forward accordingly.
27-08-2017 – Countervailing duty “gap period” begins
The United States Customs and Border Protection has been provisionally collecting cash deposits equivalent to the applicable preliminary countervailing duty rate for all softwood lumber products captured within the scope of the U.S. investigations as of 12:00 a.m. on April 28, 2017.
The U.S. Tariff Act provides that preliminary countervailing duties cannot be in place for more than 120 calendar days. Consequently, the period of time when preliminary countervailing duties can be collected under the U.S. Tariff Act ended as of 12:00 a.m. on August 26, 2017.
There will therefore be a “gap period” between the end of the authorized period for collection of preliminary countervailing duties (as of 12:00 a.m. on August 26, 2017) and the beginning of the collection of any final countervailing duties imposed by the U.S. Department of Commerce. During this gap period, no countervailing duties should be collected. It is possible that delays or unforeseen oversights in the administrative process may result in U.S. Customs and Border Protection in some cases collecting countervailing duties during the gap period. Any deposits collected during the gap period will be refunded.
Final countervailing duty rates will take effect if and when the U.S. International Trade Commission publishes final affirmative injury determinations, following final affirmative duty determinations by the U.S. Department of Commerce. This is expected to occur in December 2017 or January 2018.
30-06-2017 – United States Department of Commerce preliminary anti-dumping duties take effect
The United States Department of Commerce published its preliminary anti-dumping duty determination in the U.S. Federal Register on June 30, 2017.
As of 12:00 a.m. on June 30, 2017, U.S. Customs and Border Protection will provisionally collect cash deposits equivalent to the applicable preliminary anti-dumping duty rate for all softwood lumber products captured within the scope of the U.S. investigations upon importation into the United States, as outlined in the preliminary determination published in the U.S. Federal Register.
The U.S. Tariff Act provides that anti-dumping duties cannot be in place for more than 180 calendar days. Preliminary anti-dumping duties are therefore able to be collected by U.S. Customs and Border Protection as of 12:00 a.m. on June 30, 2017, through to 11:59 p.m. on December 26, 2017.
Final countervailing and anti-dumping duty rates would be set once the U.S. International Trade Commission publishes final affirmative injury determinations in the U.S. Federal Register, following final affirmative duty determinations by the U.S. Department of Commerce. This is expected to occur in December 2017 or January 2018.
Depending on the timing of the publication of the U.S. International Trade Commission’s final injury determinations, there may be a short “gap period” between the end of the provisional collection of preliminary anti-dumping duties and the beginning of the collection of any final duties imposed by the U.S. Department of Commerce. During any gap period, no anti-dumping duties should be collected. It is possible that delays or unforeseen oversights in the administrative process may result in U.S. Customs and Border Protection in some cases collecting anti-dumping duties during the gap period. Any deposits collected during the gap period will be refunded.
If there is no anti-dumping gap period in place at the time of publication of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s final determinations in the U.S. Federal Register, the U.S. Department of Commerce will adjust the provisional anti-dumping duty cash deposit rates to reflect their final anti-dumping rates. This adjustment to the anti-dumping cash deposit rates will take effect on the day of publication of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s final determination in the U.S. Federal Register.
It is also important to note that final anti-dumping and countervailing duties will not begin to be collected until after the publication of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s final duty orders in the U.S. Federal Register. This is expected in December 2017 or January 2018. However, the U.S. Department of Commerce will instruct U.S. Customs and Border Patrol to collect these final anti-dumping and countervailing duties retroactively as of the date of publication of the International Trade Commission’s final determination in the U.S. Federal Register. Therefore, while final anti-dumping and final countervailing duties might not be collected as of this date, they will be in force as of the date of publication of the U.S. International Trade Commission’s final determination in the U.S. Federal Register.
Retroactive application of anti-dumping duties:
The U.S. Department of Commerce has preliminarily determined that anti-dumping duties will be applied retroactively for all companies except Canfor Corporation, West Fraser Mills Ltd., Tolko Marketing Sales Ltd., and Resolute Forest Products Canada Inc. Retroactive duties will be in force for the 90 days preceding the publication of the preliminary determination in the U.S. Federal Register, on June 30, 2017.
If the both the U.S. Department of Commerce and the U.S. International Trade Commission make final affirmative findings of critical circumstances, final retroactive anti-dumping duties will apply to imports of softwood lumber products captured within the scope of the U.S. investigations from 12:00 a.m. on April 1, 2017, through 11:59 p.m. on June 29, 2017.
The retroactive anti-dumping duties will be collected at the preliminary determination rate of 6.87%.
26-06-2017 – Joint Statement of Minister Carr and Minister Freeland in response to United States Department of Commerce anti-dumping duty preliminary determination
Minister Freeland and Minister Carr issued a joint statement in response to this preliminary determination by the United States Department of Commerce.
26-06-2017 – United States Department of Commerce announces its preliminary determination in anti-dumping duty investigation into imports of certain Canadian softwood lumber products
On June 26, 2017, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced its preliminary anti-dumping determination with respect to imports of softwood lumber from Canada. The U.S. Department of Commerce preliminarily found that Canadian softwood lumber imports were dumped into the United States at prices below those for comparable sales in Canada or below the cost of producing the products.
The U.S. Department of Commerce issued company-specific preliminary anti-dumping duty rates for the four mandatory respondents. All other companies will be subject to the “all others” anti-dumping rate of 6.87%, as outlined below.
Company Preliminary anti-dumping duty rate Preliminary countervailing duty rate Combined preliminary duty rates Canfor Corporation 7.72% 20.26% 27.98% Resolute Forest Products Canada Inc. 4.59% 12.82% 17.41% Tolko Marketing Sales Ltd. 7.53% 19.50% 27.03% West Fraser Mills Ltd 6.76% 24.12% 30.88% J.D. Irving Ltd. 6.87% (All Others) 3.02% 9.89% All Others 6.87% 19.88% 26.75% Preliminary anti-dumping duties will come into effect upon publication of the preliminary determination in the U.S. Federal Register. Anti-dumping duties will also be applied retroactively for 90 days prior to the publication date in the U.S Federal Register for all companies except the four mandatory respondents as a result of a separate preliminary critical circumstances determination.
26-06-2017 – United States Department of Commerce announces potential exclusion for Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador
The U.S. Department of Commerce announced that an exclusion for products originating from Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Prince Edward Island is appropriate in both the anti-dumping and countervailing duty investigations. Commerce will continue to evaluate comments placed on the investigation record from interested parties and expects to make a final decision on the matter in late summer. Commerce has confirmed that, pending an exclusion from the scope of the investigations, producers in these three provinces will continue to be subject to anti-dumping and countervailing duties.
23-06-2017 – United States Department of Commerce Preliminary Scope Decision Memorandum
In its preliminary scope decision memorandum, dated June 23, 2017, the U.S. Department of Commerce amended the scope of the U.S. anti-dumping and countervailing duty investigations. This decision took effect on the date of publication in the United States Federal Register, June 30, 2017. The scope was modified to exclude the following three products:
- U.S.-origin lumber shipped to Canada for processing and imported into the United States is excluded from the scope of the investigations if the processing occurring in Canada is limited to one or more of the following: (1) kiln drying; (2) planing to create smooth-to-size board; or (3) sanding.
- Box-spring frame kits are excluded if they contain the following wooden pieces – two side rails, two end (or top) rails and varying numbers of slats. The side rails and the end rails must be radius-cut at both ends. The kits must be individually packaged and must contain the exact number of wooden components needed to make a particular box spring frame, with no further processing required. None of the components exceeds 1” in actual thickness or 83” in length.
- Radius-cut box-spring-frame components, not exceeding 1” in actual thickness or 83” in length, ready for assembly without further processing are excluded. The radius cuts must be present on both ends of the boards and must be substantially cut so as to completely round one corner.
While the HTSUS codes are provided for convenience and customs purposes, the U.S. Department of Commerce has also advised that it will be removing the HTSUS category explicitly referring to edge-glued wood from the scope of the investigations.
In addition, the U.S. Department of Commerce made further preliminary determinations regarding the scope of the investigations, including in relation to the definition of “finished products.” Although the preliminary scope decision memorandum observes that finished products are outside of the scope of the investigations, it notes the absence of an express definition of such products in the scope definition. Accordingly, the U.S. Department of Commerce has proposed adding the following language to the scope of their investigations and has invited interested parties to provide comments:
- “Finished products are not covered by the scope of these investigations. For the purposes of scope, finished products contain, or are comprised of, subject merchandise and have undergone sufficient processing such that they can no longer be considered intermediate products, and such products can be readily differentiated from merchandise subject to these investigations at the time of importation. Such differentiation may, for example, be shown through marks of special adaptation as a particular product.
- The following products are examples of products considered “finished,” for the purpose of the scope of the investigations: I-joists; assembled pallets; cutting boards; assembled picture frames; garage doors.”
While not included in the proposed definition of “finished products”, the preliminary scope decision memo also lists the following products as examples of finished products that the U.S. Department of Commerce considers to be outside the scope of its investigations: assembled door frames; assembled furniture; assembled trusses; assembled window frames; assembled wood blinds; assembled wood toys; assembled wooden frames for paintings, photographs and mirrors; edge-glue wood; butcher block countertops; cross-laminated timber; clothes hangers; marquetry; open-webbed floor joists; tableware; trays; wall art.
Outside of its clarification regarding “finished products”, the Department of Commerce also indicated that it considers the following products to fall outside of the scope of the investigations: finished furniture kits, and moldings to the extent the product matches the definition found in Chapter 44 of U.S. HTSUS.
01-06-2017 – Government of Canada Announces Support for Forest Sector Workers and Communities
Minister Carr, Minister Freeland and Minister Champagne announced $867 million in measures to support forest industry workers and communities affected by U.S. measures targeting softwood lumber. For additional information, please see the News Release and Backgrounder.
28-04-2017 – United States Department of Commerce preliminary countervailing duties take effect
The United States Department of Commerce published its preliminary countervailing duty determination in the U.S. Federal Register on April 28, 2017.
As of 12:00 a.m. on April 28, 2017, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection will collect cash deposits equivalent to the applicable preliminary countervailing duty rate for all softwood lumber products captured within the scope of the U.S. investigations upon importation into the United States, as outlined in the preliminary determination published in the U.S. Federal Register.
The U.S. Tariff Act provides that preliminary countervailing duties cannot be in place for more than 120 calendar days. Preliminary countervailing duties are therefore authorized to be collected by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection as of 12:00 a.m. on April 28, 2017, through 11:59 p.m. on August 25, 2017. Final countervailing duty rates will take effect if and when the U.S. International Trade Commission publishes final affirmative injury determinations, following final affirmative duty determinations by the U.S. Department of Commerce. This is expected to occur by December 2017 or January 2018. Depending on the timing, there may be a “gap period” between the end of the collection of preliminary countervailing duties and the beginning of the collection of any final duties imposed by the U.S. Department of Commerce
If there is no countervailing gap period in place at the time of publication of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s final determinations in the U.S. Federal Register, the U.S. Department of Commerce will adjust the provisional countervailing duty cash deposit rates to reflect their final countervailing rates. This adjustment to the countervailing cash deposit rates will take effect on the day of publication of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s final determination in the U.S. Federal Register.
Retroactive application of preliminary countervailing duties
The U.S. Department of Commerce has preliminarily determined that countervailing duties will be applied retroactively for all companies except Canfor Corporation, West Fraser Mills Ltd., Tolko Marketing Sales Ltd., and Resolute Forest Products Canada Inc. Retroactive duties will be in force for the 90 days preceding the publication of the preliminary determination in the U.S. Federal Register.
If both the U.S. Department of Commerce and the U.S. International Trade Commission make final affirmative findings of critical circumstances, final retroactive countervailing duties will apply to imports of softwood lumber products captured within the scope of the U.S. investigations from 12:00 a.m. on January 28, 2017, through 11:59 p.m. on April 27, 2017.
The retroactive countervailing duties will be collected at the preliminary determination rates of:
- 3.02% for J.D. Irving Ltd;
- 19.88% for all other companies (except Canfor Corporation, West Fraser Mills Ltd., Tolko Marketing Sales Ltd., and Resolute Canada)
25-04-2017 – Decision Memorandum for the preliminary determination related to scope
The Decision Memorandum for the preliminary determination that was released by the U.S. Department of Commerce on April 25, 2017, confirms that the U.S. Department of Commerce has not made any changes to the scope of the countervailing and anti-dumping duty investigations at this time. The scope remains the same as that indicated in the Notice of Initiation issued on December 15, 2016. Despite support from the U.S. Lumber Coalition (the Petitioner) to exclude certain products from the scope of the investigations, the U.S. Department of Commerce has decided to defer any decisions to narrow the scope until a later date, anticipated at the final countervailing and anti-dumping duty determinations. Therefore, all products in scope are subject preliminary duties pending any U.S. Department of Commerce decision to exclude products from the scope of the investigations. In the event that the U.S. Department of Commerce does exclude products from the scope of the investigations, cash deposits on excluded products will be refunded (although exactly when that will occur depends largely on when the U.S. Department of Commerce directs U.S. Customs and Border Protection to issue refunds).
The U.S. Department of Commerce has invited interested parties to provide comments on scope exclusions currently under its consideration within 7 days of the publication of the preliminary countervailing duty determination in the U.S. Federal Register. Publication in the U.S. Federal Register is expected to occur on April 28, 2017.
Canada does not provide advice to exporters on U.S. Customs and Border Protection classifications. However, it should be noted that the investigations will not change the existing U.S. HTSUS codes. The U.S. Department of Commerce will publish a notice in the U.S. Federal Register and issue instructions to U.S. Customs. The notice and instructions will contain a scope definition in a format similar to what was contained in the notice of initiation issued by the U.S. Department of Commerce on December 15, 2016. U.S. Customs and Border Protection is supposed to adhere to the written scope definitions, with the HTSUS codes provided for information purposes only. Although the HTSUS subheadings are provided for convenience and customs purposes, the written description of the scope of the investigations is dispositive.
25-04-2017 – Company exclusions process – decision memo of United States Department of Commerce
Early in the countervailing duty investigation on softwood lumber from Canada, the Government of Canada submitted a proposal to the United States Department of Commerce requesting that Commerce consider a company exclusions process which would allow companies that receive no countervailable subsidies, or that receive only de minimis (less than one percent ad valorem) countervailable subsidies to be excluded from the current US countervailing duties investigation.
In a decision memo released at the same time as its preliminary countervailing duty determination, the U.S. Department of Commerce has decided that it lacks the authority to conduct a company exclusions process in a company specific countervailing duty investigation. In their April 25th decision memo on company exclusions, the U.S. Department of Commerce indicated that while their regulations specifically provide for company exclusions in an aggregate case, their regulations do not specifically provide for company exclusions in the company-specific countervailing duty investigation they are conducting.
The Department took this position despite the fact that the U.S. Lumber Coalition (the petitioner) had filed a written submission to the U.S. Department of Commerce which indicated that a limited company exclusions process would be appropriate in this case.
The Government of Canada will have another opportunity in its case brief to provide comments as to why the U.S. Department of Commerce should consider a company exclusions process. As per the current U.S. regulations, case briefs are due seven days after the final day of verifications by the U.S. Department of Commerce. Verifications are currently scheduled to be completed in late June 2017.
Outside of the company exclusions process, companies have the option to seek an exclusion in the context of an expedited review, which is provided for under the current U.S. regulations. If, in the context of an expedited review, companies successfully demonstrate to the U.S. Department of Commerce that they received zero or de minimis subsidies during calendar year 2015 they would be excluded from any countervailing duty order. The expedited review process begins at the conclusion of the countervailing duty investigation -- companies interested in participating in this process must request an expedited review within 30 days of the date of publication in the U.S. Federal Register of any countervailing duty order, expected at the end of 2017 or early 2018. Should companies choose to submit a request to the U.S. Department of Commerce for an expedited review, it is recommended that they retain U.S. counsel that specializes in trade remedy law.
24-04-2017 - Joint Statement of Minister Freeland and Minister Carr in response to United States Department of Commerce countervailing duty preliminary determination
Minister Freeland and Minister Carr issued a joint statement in response to these determinations by the United States Department of Commerce.
24-04-2017 – United States Department of Commerce issues preliminary determination in countervailing duty investigation into imports of certain Canadian softwood lumber products
The United States Department of Commerce issued its preliminary determination in its countervailing duty investigation into imports of certain softwood lumber products from Canada. The United States Department of Commerce found that Canadian softwood lumber imports into the United States were subsidised and calculated company specific-rates for the four mandatory respondents and one voluntary respondent as follows:
- Canfor Corporation: 20.26%
- Tolko Marketing Sales Ltd.: 19.5%
- West Fraser Mills Ltd.: 24.12%
- Resolute Forest Products Canada Inc.: 12.82%
- J.D. Irving Ltd.: 3.02%
For all other companies, the U.S. Department of Commerce has calculated an “all others” countervailing duty rate of 19.88%.
Duties will come into effect upon publication in the U.S. Federal Register.
24-04-2017 – United States Department of Commerce issues its preliminary determination of critical circumstances
The United States Department of Commerce made an affirmative preliminary critical circumstances determination, concluding that there has been a surge of importations (known as “massive importations”) into the United States of Canadian softwood lumber products exported by J.D. Irving Ltd and all other Canadian softwood lumber companies with the exception of the four mandatory respondents (Canfor Corporation, West Fraser Mills Ltd., Tolko Marketing Sales Ltd., and Resolute FP Canada Inc.)
As a result of this determination, the U.S. Department of Commerce has indicated it will instruct U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to apply countervailing and anti-dumping duties retroactively to 90 days prior to the publication of both the anti-dumping and countervailing preliminary determinations in the U.S. Federal Register.
13-01-2017 – The U.S. International Trade Commission’s preliminary finding of material injury caused by Canadian softwood lumber products
On January 13, 2017, the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) published its preliminarily determination that the U.S. industry is materially injured by virtue of imports of Canadian softwood lumber products. This decision means that the U.S. Department of Commerce will continue its anti-dumping (AD) and countervailing duty (CVD) investigations into Canadian softwood lumber products. If the U.S. Department of Commerce makes affirmative preliminary determinations, preliminary AD and CVD duties would be applicable at that time.
The U.S. Department of Commerce also confirmed it will proceed with a company-specific CVD investigation and identified that its mandatory respondents are West Fraser, Tolko, Canfor and Resolute Forest Products.
2016
23-12-2016 – For the purposes of the Softwood Lumber Export Permit Monitoring Program use of the HS 2017 changes will be delayed until January 1st, 2018
With the imminent adoption by Canada of the World Customs Organization 2017 Harmonized System (HS 2017) nomenclature on January 1st, 2017, coupled with the United States’ delayed adoption of HS 2017 changes for Chapter 44 (Wood and articles of wood; wood charcoal) until January 1st, 2018 - the Softwood Lumber Division of Global Affairs Canada would like to inform you of the following:
For the purposes of the Softwood Lumber Export Permit Monitoring Program, the implementation of HS 2017 changes will be delayed until January 1st, 2018. When applying for an export permit, Exporters and Brokers of Softwood Lumber Products should continue to use the Canadian tariff classifications set out in Annex 1B of the Softwood Lumber Agreement Between the Government of Canada and the Government of the United States of America, signed on September 12, 2006, as it read on October 12, 2015.
A Notice will be published in the fall of 2017 announcing the implementation of HS 2017 changes as of January 1st, 2018.
For further information please contact:
Sylvain Emond
Softwood Lumber Division
343-203-3723
Sylvain.emond@international.gc.ca28-11-2016 – Petition to United States Government to Launch Investigation into Imports of Certain Canadian Softwood Lumber Products
On November 25, 2016, the Committee Overseeing Action for Lumber International Trade Investigations or Negotiations filed petitions with the United States Department of Commerce and the U.S. International Trade Commission, requesting the initiation of countervailing, anti-dumping and injury investigations into imports of certain softwood lumber products from Canada.
19-10-2016 – Possible Company Exclusions Process Regarding a Potential United States Investigation Into Imports of Certain Softwood Lumber Products from Canada
In anticipation of a possible investigation by the United States into imports of certain softwood lumber products from Canada, the Government of Canada has developed an e-portal. The e-portal will assist companies to apply to be considered for exclusion from any countervailing duties that could result from this investigation. The e-portal will initially allow Canadian companies to: a) create their profiles and b) access the current version of the Company Exclusions package, which will be updated following initiation of an investigation by the U.S. Department of Commerce. Note that the e-portal will only enable companies to apply following initiation by the United States. Please note also that the United States has not agreed to undertake such an exclusions process and is under no obligation to do so.
All information regarding eligibility for the company exclusions process will be available exclusively through the e-portal. For those that register, the e-portal administrators will email to advise of any changes to the Company Exclusions package. For further information, please see Notice to Exporters Serial 200.
Questions regarding the company exclusions process can be directed to:
Telephone: 1 800 438-9092
Email: info@companyexclusions.ca
E-portal web address: www.companyexclusions.ca12-10-2016 – Statement by Canada and United States on softwood lumber
Minister Chrystia Freeland and United States Trade Representative Michael Froman issued a statement on the status of negotiations toward a new softwood lumber agreement between Canada and the United States.
29-06-2016 – Joint statement by the Prime Minister of Canada and the President of the United States on softwood lumber
The Prime Minister of Canada and the President of the United States issued a joint statement on softwood lumber.
17-06-2016 – Update by Canada and the United States on softwood lumber
The United States Trade Representative Michael Froman and the Minister of International Trade Chrystia Freeland issued a statement to update on the status of negotiations between Canada and the United States.
2015
09-10-2015 – Monitoring Program for Softwood Lumber Products Shipments as of October 13th, 2015
The Government of Canada will monitor shipments of softwood lumber products first manufactured in all provinces and territories of Canada to the United States following the expiry of the Softwood Lumber Agreement on October 12, 2015. Beginning on October 13, 2015 a monitoring program will be administered through the issuance of export permits by the Minister of Foreign Affairs. The object of this monitoring program is to collect data respecting softwood lumber exports to the U.S. of products first manufactured in all Canadian provinces and territories. Details on this program are outlined in Notice to Exporters Serial Number 195.
09-10-2015 - Softwood Lumber Exports to the United States: Monitoring Softwood Lumber Product Exports to the United States – SER - 195
05-10-2015 - Message to Customs Brokers regarding Softwood Lumber
The daily softwood lumber report for the month of October is now available.
For further information, please contact Gordon Chestnut at 343-203-3724 or by email at gordon.chestnut@international.gc.ca.
02-10-2015 - Message to Customs Brokers regarding Softwood Lumber
Please note that we are presently experiencing technical issues with the daily report for softwood lumber for the month of October. There is an investigation underway. We will provide you with an update as the information will become available.
For further information, please contact Gordon Chestnut at 343-203-3724 or by email at gordon.chestnut@international.gc.ca.
30-09-2015 - Message to Customs Brokers regarding Softwood Lumber
Brokers are advised that the correction period for September 2015 Softwood Lumber permits ends October 5, 2015 at 17:00 ET.
We remind you of the importance of submitting correct information on permits as this is imperative to the operation of the Softwood Lumber Agreement. Please submit permit corrections for the month of September before the end of the correction period, as is the case for every allocation month of the year.
For further information, please contact Gordon Chestnut at 343-203-3724 or by email at gordon.chestnut@international.gc.ca.
21-09-2015 – Further to the message on September 14, 2015, this is to advise that the export allocations for companies in Option B regions will not be available on September 21, 2015. The Softwood Lumber Division is still reviewing the October allocations and, it is now anticipated that the allocation levels will be made available on September 28, 2015.
For further information, please contact Sylvain Emond at 343-203-3723 or by email at sylvain.emond@international.gc.ca.
14-09-2015 – The Prevailing Monthly Price for October 2015 is US$ 313. Please note that the Softwood Lumber Agreement is scheduled to expire on October 12th, 2015. As such, for the month of October export measures will apply only to exports with shipment dates of October 1st to 12th at 11:59 PM.
Further, Regional Trigger Volumes for Option A regions and the Regional Quota Volumes for Option B regions will be prorated to reflect only the period for which the Agreement is still in effect in October.
Option A regions:
With respect to the Regional Trigger Volume and associated surge mechanism a region’s Option A volume will correspond to 12/31 of the region’s monthly share.
Option B regions:
With respect to quota issuance, this means that companies in Option B regions who qualify will be issued an export allocation corresponding to 12/31 of their share of the Regional Quota Volume. This export allocation is anticipated to be issued by September 21, 2015 and will be reflected in the company’s EIPA account.
In accordance with the SLA, the carry-back provision outlined in Article 7B will be suspended for October of 2015. Further, if a company employed the carry-back provisions in September by borrowing from October’s volume the October balance available to that company will be decreased accordingly. Companies whose accounts are in a carry-forward situation will still be able to access this quota volume for October.
For further information, please contact Sylvain Emond at 343-203-3723 or by email at sylvain.emond@international.gc.ca.
- 17-08-2015 – The Prevailing Monthly Price for September 2015 is US$ 336. As such, export measures will apply from September 1st to 30th and companies in Option B regions who qualify will be issued an export allocation corresponding to their share of the RQV. The export allocation is anticipated to be issued by August 17, 2015, and will be reflected in the company’s EIPA account. In accordance with the 2006 Softwood Lumber Agreement, when the price drops below $US 355 following a no-volume restraint period, volume restraints will resume for the following month and remain in effect until further notice. For further information regarding exports of softwood lumber during a volume-restraint month, please refer to Sections 5.0 and 7.0 in Notice to Exporters Serial #187.
- 15-07-2015 – The Prevailing Monthly Price for August 2015 is US$ 347. As such, export measures will apply from August 1st to 31st and companies in Option B regions who qualify will be issued an export allocation corresponding to their share of the RQV. The export allocation is anticipated to be issued by July 21, 2015, and will be reflected in the company’s EIPA account. In accordance with the 2006 Softwood Lumber Agreement, when the price drops below $US 355 following a no-volume restraint period, volume restraints will resume for the following month and remain in effect until further notice. For further information regarding exports of softwood lumber during a volume-restraint month, please refer to Sections 5.0 and 7.0 in Notice to Exporters Serial #187.
- 12-06-2015 – The Prevailing Monthly Price for July 2015 is US$ 315. As such, export measures will apply from July 1st to 31st and companies in Option B regions who qualify will be issued an export allocation corresponding to their share of the RQV. The export allocation is anticipated to be issued by June 22th, 2015, and will be reflected in the company’s EIPA account. In accordance with the 2006 Softwood Lumber Agreement, when the price drops below $US 355 following a no-volume restraint period, volume restraints will resume for the following month and remain in effect until further notice. For further information regarding exports of softwood lumber during a volume-restraint month, please refer to Sections 5.0 and 7.0 in Notice to Exporters Serial #187.
- 12-05-2015 - The Prevailing Monthly Price for June 2015 is US$ 324. As such, export measures will apply from June 1st to 30th and companies in Option B regions who qualify will be issued an export allocation corresponding to their share of the RQV. The export allocation is anticipated to be issued by May 22th, 2015, and will be reflected in the company’s EIPA account. In accordance with the 2006 Softwood Lumber Agreement, when the price drops below $US 355 following a no-volume restraint period, volume restraints will resume for the following month and remain in effect until further notice. For further information regarding exports of softwood lumber during a volume-restraint month, please refer to Sections 5.0 and 7.0 in Notice to Exporters Serial #187.
- 13-04-2015 – The Prevailing Monthly Price for May 2015 is US$ 336. As such, export measures will apply from May 1st to 31st and companies in Option B regions who qualify will be issued an export allocation corresponding to their share of the RQV. The export allocation is anticipated to be issued by April 24th, 2015, and will be reflected in the company’s EIPA account. In accordance with the 2006 Softwood Lumber Agreement, when the price drops below $US 355 following a no-volume restraint period, volume restraints will resume for the following month and remain in effect until further notice. For further information regarding exports of softwood lumber during a volume-restraint month, please refer to Sections 5.0 and 7.0 in Notice to Exporters Serial #187.
- 09-03-2015 – The Prevailing Monthly Price for April 2015 is US$ 352. As such, export measures will apply from April 1st to 30th and companies in Option B regions who qualify will be issued an export allocation corresponding to their share of the RQV. The export allocation is anticipated to be issued by March 24th, 2015, and will be reflected in the company’s EIPA account. Carry-forward carry-back provisions will be re-instated on the basis of calculations derived from October 2013 balances. In accordance with the 2006 Softwood Lumber Agreement, when the price drops below $US 355 following a no-volume restraint period, volume restraints will resume for the following month and remain in effect until further notice. For further information regarding exports of softwood lumber during a volume-restraint month, please refer to Sections 5.0 and 7.0 in Notice to Exporters Serial #187.
- 09-02-2015 - The prevailing monthly price for March 2015 exceeds US $355. In accordance with the 2006 Softwood Lumber Agreement most export measures will not be applicable from March 1st to 31st. For further information regarding exports of softwood lumber during this period, please refer to Notice to Exporters Serial #187.
- 12-01-2015 – The prevailing monthly price for February 2015 exceeds US $355. In accordance with the 2006 Softwood Lumber Agreement most export measures will not be applicable from February 1st to 28th. For further information regarding exports of softwood lumber during this period, please refer to Notice to Exporters Serial #187.
2014
- 10-12-2014 – The prevailing monthly price for January 2015 exceeds US $355. In accordance with the 2006 Softwood Lumber Agreement most export measures will not be applicable from January 1st to 31st. For further information regarding exports of softwood lumber during this period, please refer to Notice to Exporters Serial #187.
- 12-11-2014 – The prevailing monthly price for December 2014 exceeds US $355. In accordance with the 2006 Softwood Lumber Agreement most export measures will not be applicable from December 1st to 31st. For further information regarding exports of softwood lumber during this period, please refer to Notice to Exporters Serial #187.
- 14-10-2014 – The prevailing monthly price for November 2014 exceeds US $355. In accordance with the 2006 Softwood Lumber Agreement most export measures will not be applicable from November 1st to 30th. For further information regarding exports of softwood lumber during this period, please refer to Notice to Exporters Serial #187.
- 16-9-2014 – The prevailing monthly price for October 2014 exceeds US $355. In accordance with the 2006 Softwood Lumber Agreement most export measures will not be applicable from October 1st to 31st. For further information regarding exports of softwood lumber during this period, please refer to Notice to Exporters Serial #187.
- 11-8-2014 – The prevailing monthly price for September 2014 exceeds US $355. In accordance with the 2006 Softwood Lumber Agreement most export measures will not be applicable from September 1st to 30th. For further information regarding exports of softwood lumber during this period, please refer to Notice to Exporters Serial #187.
- 17-7-2014 – The prevailing monthly price for August 2014 exceeds US $355. In accordance with the 2006 Softwood Lumber Agreement most export measures will not be applicable from August 1st to 31st. For further information regarding exports of softwood lumber during this period, please refer to Notice to Exporters Serial #187.
- 2-7-2014 – The prevailing monthly price for July 2014 exceeds US $355. In accordance with the 2006 Softwood Lumber Agreement most export measures will not be applicable from July 1st to 31st. For further information regarding exports of softwood lumber during this period, please refer to Notice to Exporters Serial #187.
- 12-5-2014 – The prevailing monthly price for June 2014 exceeds US$ 355. In accordance with the 2006 Softwood Lumber Agreement most export measures will not be applicable from June 1st to 30th. For further information regarding exports of softwood lumber during this period, please refer to Notice to Exporters Serial #187.
- 08-4-2014 – The prevailing monthly price for May 2014 exceeds US$ 355. In accordance with the 2006 Softwood Lumber Agreement most export measures will not be applicable from May 1st to 31st. For further information regarding exports of softwood lumber during this period, please refer to Notice to Exporters Serial #187.
- 24-3-2014 – The prevailing monthly price for April 2014 exceeds US$ 355. In accordance with the 2006 Softwood Lumber Agreement most export measures will not be applicable from April 1st to 30th. For further information regarding exports of softwood lumber during this period, please refer to Notice to Exporters Serial #187.
- 11-2-2014 – The prevailing monthly price for March 2014 exceeds US$ 355. In accordance with the 2006 Softwood Lumber Agreement most export measures will not be applicable from March 1st to 31st. For further information regarding exports of softwood lumber during this period, please refer to Notice to Exporters Serial #187.
- 14-1-2014 – The prevailing monthly price for February 2014 exceeds US$ 355. In accordance with the 2006 Softwood Lumber Agreement most export measures will not be applicable from February 1st to 28th. For further information regarding exports of softwood lumber during this period, please refer to Notice to Exporters Serial #187.
2013
- 10-12-2013 – This message is to inform industry stakeholders that the Minister of Foreign Affairs, on December 9, 2013, made the 2014 Allocation Method Order - Softwood Lumber Products (AMO). The 2014 AMO establishes the method for allocating to individual companies the quantity of softwood lumber products that may be exported to the United States during a month from Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba and Saskatchewan for the period of January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2014. For more information regarding the 2014 AMO, please refer to Notice to Exporters Serial # 189.
- 10-12-2013 – The prevailing monthly price for January 2014 exceeds US$ 355. In accordance with the 2006 Softwood Lumber Agreement most export measures will not be applicable from January 1st to 31st. For further information regarding exports of softwood lumber during this period, please refer to Notice to Exporters Serial #187.
- 22-11-2013 – The prevailing monthly price for December 2013 exceeds US$ 355. In accordance with the 2006 Softwood Lumber Agreement most export measures will not be applicable from December 1st to 31st. For further information regarding exports of softwood lumber during this period, please refer to Notice to Exporters Serial #187.
- 16-10-2013 – The prevailing monthly price for November 2013 exceeds US$ 355. In accordance with the 2006 Softwood Lumber Agreement most export measures will not be applicable from November 1st to 30th. For further information regarding exports of softwood lumber during this period, please refer to Notice to Exporters Serial #187.
- 15-7-2013 – The Prevailing Monthly Price for August 2013 is US$ 326. As such, export measures will apply from August 1st to 31st and companies in Option B regions who qualify will be issued an export allocation corresponding to their share of the RQV. The export allocation is anticipated to be issued by July 24th, 2013, and will be reflected in the company’s EIPA account. Carry-forward carry-back provisions will be re-instated on the basis of calculations derived from December 2012 balances. In accordance with the 2006 Softwood Lumber Agreement, when the price drops below $US 355 following a no-volume restraint period, volume restraints will resume for the following month and remain in effect until further notice. For further information regarding exports of softwood lumber during a volume-restraint month, please refer to Sections 5.0 and 7.0 in Notice to Exporters Serial #187.
- 14-6-2013 – The prevailing monthly price for July 2013 exceeds US$ 355. In accordance with the 2006 Softwood Lumber Agreement most export measures will not be applicable from July 1st to 31st. For further information regarding exports of softwood lumber during this period, please refer to Notice to Exporters Serial #187.
- 16-5-2013 – The prevailing monthly price for June 2013 exceeds US$ 355. In accordance with the 2006 Softwood Lumber Agreement most export measures will not be applicable from June 1st to 30th. For further information regarding exports of softwood lumber during this period, please refer to Notice to Exporters Serial #187.
- 19-4-2013 – The prevailing monthly price for May 2013 exceeds US$ 355. In accordance with the 2006 Softwood Lumber Agreement most export measures will not be applicable from May 1st to 31st. For further information regarding exports of softwood lumber during this period, please refer to Notice to Exporters Serial #187.
- 21-3-2013 – The prevailing monthly price for April 2013 exceeds US$ 355. In accordance with the 2006 Softwood Lumber Agreement most export measures will not be applicable from April 1st to 30th. For further information regarding exports of softwood lumber during this period, please refer to Notice to Exporters Serial #187.
- 25-2-2013 – The prevailing monthly price for March 2013 exceeds US$ 355. In accordance with the 2006 Softwood Lumber Agreement most export measures will not be applicable from March 1st to 31st. For further information regarding exports of softwood lumber during this period, please refer to Notice to Exporters Serial #187.
- 18-1-2013 – The prevailing monthly price for February 2013 exceeds US$ 355. In accordance with the 2006 Softwood Lumber Agreement most export measures will not be applicable from February 1st to 28th. For further information regarding exports of softwood lumber during this period, please refer to Notice to Exporters Serial #187.
2012
- 21-12-2012 – The prevailing monthly price for January 2013 exceeds US$ 355. In accordance with the 2006 Softwood Lumber Agreement most export measures will not be applicable from January 1st to 31st. For further information regarding exports of softwood lumber during this period, please refer to Notice to Exporters Serial #187.
- 20-04-2012 – The Agreement to Extend the Softwood Lumber Agreement to October, 2015 has been ratified by Canada and the United States and is now in force.
- 18-07-2012 – A Tribunal of the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA), convened under the Softwood Lumber Agreement with respect to the British Columbia Interior timber pricing arbitration, has ruled that Canada did not circumvent its obligations under the Agreement as alleged by the United States. (See the award: ARCHIVED - London Court of International Arbitration ruling on softwood lumber - public version (PDF*, 2.75 MB) - July 26, 2012 and the news release: Canada Applauds Softwood Lumber Ruling on British Columbia's Timber-pricing System)
- Date Modified:
