Article content

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Commerce Department said on Thursday it made a final finding that imports of Canadian softwood lumber are being unfairly subsidized and dumped in the United States, escalating a trade dispute with Canada in the midst of NAFTA trade talks.

The decision imposes anti-dumping and anti-subsidy duties affecting about $5.66 billion worth of imports of the key building material.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or U.S. finds Canada is dumping softwood lumber, sets duties after talks fail Back to video

The department said exporters from Canada have sold softwood lumber in the U.S. market at 3.20 per cent to 8.89 per cent less than fair value, and that Canada is providing unfair subsidies at rates of 3.34 per cent to 18.19 per cent.

The decision follows failed talks to end the decades-long lumber dispute between the United States and Canada.

“While I am disappointed that a negotiated agreement could not be made between domestic and Canadian softwood producers, the United States is committed to free, fair and reciprocal trade with Canada,” U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said.