Canada’s lumber industry is bracing for serious financial strain as U.S. President Donald Trump threatens to impose 25% tariffs on Canadian lumber in April — on top of the almost 15% import duty already in place for softwood lumber.

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Donald Trump has signed an order to impose tariffs imports into the U.S. from countries including China, Mexico and Canada.

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Canada's lumber industry is preparing for significant financial challenges as the prospect of higher U.S. tariffs looms. U.S. President Donald Trump is considering imposing a 25% tariff on Canadian lumber, in addition to the nearly 15% import duty already in place for softwood lumber. This comes amid ongoing tensions between U.S. and Canadian lumber sectors, with the possibility of overall levies reaching or exceeding 50%.

The impact of such tariffs on Canada's production is expected to ripple throughout the supply chain, affecting workers and communities. This situation arises from ongoing claims by U.S. lumber producers that Canadian imports undercut American companies, urging the Trump administration to rectify the situation. The complex history of softwood lumber disputes between the two countries adds another layer of uncertainty, with the previous trade agreement having lapsed a decade ago.

The repercussions of increased tariffs may not only affect Canada but could also influence the U.S. market. American homebuilders predict a rise in construction costs, a consequence likely to be transferred to consumers. This uncertainty has already affected businesses, with managers like Carmo Da Silva in Toronto cutting hours and expressing concerns over potential lumber shortages or price spikes.



Canadian lumber industry braces for potentially crippling tariffs

This week, the U.S. President is targeting lumber. If they don't make their product in America, then they very simply, they have to pay a tariff. Though the size of any potential tariff is still unclear. 25% on softwood lumber could come in April. Stack that on top of the almost 15% import duty already charged by the U.S., which is itself expected to rise, and the fear is the levies could reach 50% or higher. There could be significant impacts on some of the production in Canada, which has ripple effects throughout the supply chain and has implications for workers and communities. Donald Trump has been hearing from U.S. lumber producers who claim Canadian imports hurt domestic companies, and they're urging him to level the playing field. Softwood lumber has been a source of tension between the two countries for decades. The last trade agreement expired 10 years ago. We think a longer term solution would be to come to a long term agreement, a negotiated settlement, but so far that hasn't happened. Still, there would be a price to pay south of the border. U.S. homebuilders say tariffs would raise construction costs, and those would be passed on to American consumers. Nobody really knows what's going on. That's very, very difficult for business to make their plans. The tariff concerns have even worked their way down to this small Toronto lumber yard. It's just the unknown. We just don't know right now. I'm afraid for the next couple of years, 100%. Manager Carmo Da Silva worries the ripple effects of U.S. tariffs could cause lumber shortages or price spikes here. The uncertainty is forcing him to make changes. We had to cut hours, and we know that some people are going to struggle. If those tariffs become a reality, there may be even more struggles to come. Nisha Patel, CBC News, Toronto.

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