New Brunswick Declares Fresh Moves to Fight Softwood Lumber Tariffs

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The New Brunswick administration has announced fresh measures to safeguard its forestry sector from the unfair lumber trade tariffs imposed by the US Department of Commerce (DOC). The new measures are intended to protect and promote the province’s softwood lumber industry.

Earlier, during its final determination, the US DOC had imposed 20.83 per cent duty on exports of softwood lumber exports from the province, while excluding other Atlantic regions including Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. Softwood lumber producers in New Brunswick had been exempt from US tariffs in the past. Incidentally, estimates indicate that softwood lumber sector contributes nearly $1.45 billion to the provincial economy and provides employment to more than 22,000 people.

Addressing the issue, Treasury Board President Roger Melanson said that the provincial government has adopted a set of new measures in consultation with the local forestry industry. The plan includes efforts to improve and develop strategic corridors to boost transportation efficiency for industries, including the forestry industry. In addition, the provincial government will support and promote research activities to enhance innovation.

The federal government will collaborate with the industry to offer effective mechanisms to monitor and combat the threat of spruce budworm. The plan also proposes to expand alternative opportunities like biomass and biofuels. Further, the administration will do the needful to promote markets for value-added wood products.

It is also decided to hire another expert firm to conduct a thorough review of the New Brunswick forestry sector and submit recommendations to present the province’s stand on the issue of softwood lumber trade dispute with the US. It must be noted that the province had earlier hired former US ambassador to Canada David Wilkins to act as New Brunswick’s special envoy on trade and softwood lumber. Meantime, Melanson confirmed that Wilkins will continue his services, identifying potential investment opportunities in the sector.

Meantime, the province will continue its fight to ensure that softwood lumber duty exemption is returned to its lumber producers. At the same time, advocacy missions to other potential lumber markets such as China and India would continue, in order to reduce reliance on trade with the US by exploring new markets.