The forest sector in British Columbia is facing an unprecedented challenge with the recent imposition of a new 10 percent U.S. tariff on Canadian softwood lumber, adding to the existing 35 percent duty already in place. The combined 45 percent tariff is severely impacting lumber companies, workers, and communities that depend on the forestry industry for their livelihoods. The U.S. government has justified this new tariff by claiming Canadian lumber poses a national security threat, a position the BC forest sector strongly disputes.
Industry leaders and the provincial government have called on the federal government to prioritize the issue with the same urgency shown for other sectors like steel, aluminum, and energy. They emphasize that without swift federal intervention and support, thousands of forestry jobs across British Columbia are at risk.
The forestry industry is a cornerstone of both the provincial and national economies. Leaders stress the importance of working collaboratively across the value chain and with all levels of government to address these trade challenges, restore market confidence, and strengthen the sector’s competitiveness. The goal is to protect jobs, support local and First Nations communities, and ensure a sustainable future for one of BC’s foundational industries.
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