Monday, October 30, 2023
A new ruling from NAFTA found inconsistencies in U.S. calculations of softwood lumber duties. Officials in Ottawa and British Columbia have welcomed a ruling under the North American Free Trade Agreement, saying it found elements of the United States’ calculation of softwood lumber duties are inconsistent with that country’s own law.
A new ruling from NAFTA found inconsistencies in U.S. calculations of softwood lumber duties.
A recent ruling from NAFTA a North American Free Trade Association panel agrees with Canada against the U.S. “dumping determination” that sets fair market value of duties on softwood lumber imports to the U.S. The U.S. Commerce Department had said the goods were being sold at less than market value thereby benefiting Canada.
The matter now goes back to the Commerce Department for further explanation including looking into its pricing methodology and how the taxes were decided in the first place.
Officials in Ottawa and British Columbia have welcomed a ruling under the North American Free Trade Agreement, saying it found elements of the United States’ calculation of softwood lumber duties are inconsistent with that country’s own law.
A statement from Mary Ng, Canada’s minister of international trade, says the government is pleased that the NAFTA dispute panel agreed with its challenge of America’s so-called “dumping determination.”
In a statement announcing the finding Mary Ng, Canada’s minister of international trade, said the duties on Canadian softwood lumber are “unwarranted” and asked the U.S. government to revoke them immediately. She said that Canada will “continue to advocate for Canadian softwood lumber workers and industry” amidst further legal challenges against the U.S. duties.
Trade disputes between the two nations in a number of areas, including lumber, seem to be increasing and this latest action is sure to turn up the heat in further activities. The 60-page decision brings five areas by the NAFTA panel to the U.S. Commerce Department’s attention, implying that while certain aspects of the duties imposition have been contested, others may be found to be valid.
source- IWFAtlanta.com
Tags: British Columbia, Canad, NAFTA Panel, woodworking and manufacturing, woodworking USA
