TORONTO, Canada — In a significant development, Ontario’s government expressed strong opposition to the United States’ decision to increase duty rates on Canadian softwood lumber exports. Kevin Holland, associate minister of forestry and forest products, and Vic Fedeli, minister of economic development, job creation and trade, released a statement highlighting the implications of this move on construction costs and housing affordability for American families.
“Ontario is extremely disappointed by the US’s plan to raise duty rates on softwood lumber exports significantly later this year. These unfair and punitive measures will inevitably lead to higher construction costs and exacerbate housing affordability challenges for families in the US,” the ministers stated.
“Ontario’s softwood lumber producers are committed to delivering high-quality, sustainably harvested building materials that bolster jobs and economic prosperity on both sides of the border. The introduction and escalation of these duties pose threats to Ontario’s forest industry and negatively affect American consumers,” they added.
“The forest sector is crucial to Ontario’s economy, generating nearly $23 billion in revenue in 2022 and sustaining over 137,000 jobs. Continued trade barriers could undermine this vital economic success,” the statement emphasized.
“We firmly believe these duties should be eliminated entirely. Ontario stands in strong support of the Canadian forest industry and advocates for free trade between our nations.”
