VANCOUVER, B.C., April 9, 2026 — The BC Lumber Trade Council (BCLTC) expressed deep disappointment today following the release of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s preliminary results in Administrative Review 7 (AR7), which indicate a combined anti-dumping and countervailing duty rate of approximately 24.83% on Canadian softwood lumber exports to the United States.

“The preliminary AR7 results confirm that Canadian lumber producers continue to face unjustified and punitive trade measures that hurt workers, communities, and families on both sides of the border,” said Kurt Niquidet, President of the BC Lumber Trade Council. “These duties are taxes on a critical building material that increase the cost of housing for Americans while undermining the competitiveness of one of British Columbia’s most important export sectors.”

The new preliminary rate, when combined with the existing 10% Section 232 tariff on Canadian lumber imports, would bring the total effective duty burden to approximately 34.83%.

BCLTC noted that the latest determination will have consequences beyond the Canadian industry. Canadian lumber plays a vital role in meeting U.S. housing demand. Canada is a key supplier to the U.S. softwood lumber market and restricting that supply raises costs for American homebuilders and consumers.

“Americans are already facing elevated housing costs and a shortage of homes,” said Niquidet. “These duties continue to make it more expensive to build homes at a time when both countries should be working together to improve housing affordability.”

BCLTC reiterated that a negotiated settlement remains the only durable solution to the softwood lumber dispute.

“Canada and the United States need to make softwood lumber a priority in broader bilateral discussions and pursue a new agreement that provides certainty, supports investment, and benefits consumers in both countries,” said Niquidet.

In the meantime, BCLTC calls on the Government of Canada to continue to support Canadian workers and communities impacted by the ongoing trade dispute.

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Media Contact: media@bclumbertrade.com