Canada considers retaliation for US tariff on softwood lumber [View all]

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-39826013

Canada considers retaliation for US tariff on softwood lumber

5 May 2017

From the section US & Canada

Canada is considering multiple trade actions against the US in response to tariffs on softwood lumber. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Friday he was considering banning US coal exports in response to the "unfair" tax on Canadian lumber.

The government is also looking at duties against several Oregon industries, the BBC has learnt. Oregon has been one of the loudest supporters of an up to 24% tax on Canadian softwood lumber.

Mr Trudeau wrote to British Columbia (BC) premier Christy Clark to say that he was "carefully and seriously" considering trade action on coal exports. He said trade officials will explore next steps. Ms Clark had previously asked Ottawa to ban US thermal coal exports, and has said she will impose a tax on thermal coal entering BC ports regardless of the federal government's decision, because "it is the right thing to do".
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The government is also considering imposing duties or other trade action on several Oregon industries, the BBC has learnt. This has nothing to do with US President Donald Trump, who has been a vocal opponent of Nafta and criticised Canada for protectionist dairy policies, the BBC is told. Instead, the government is considering levying duties on several Oregon industries, including wine, wood chips, plywood, flooring and packaging material, that receive state support which the Canadian government believes may constitute illegal subsidies.
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