U.S. Imposes 45% Tariff on Canadian Lumber, But Industry Analysts Question Long-Term Impact
The Trump administration has imposed additional tariffs on Canadian lumber, bringing total duties to over 45%. However, researchers indicate that replacing Canadian imports faces significant hurdles including species differences and production costs that tariffs alone cannot resolve.
Escalating Trade Measures Target Canadian Lumber
According to recent reports, the United States has escalated its long-standing trade dispute with Canada over softwood imports, implementing additional tariffs that bring total duties on Canadian lumber to over 45%. Sources indicate that President Donald Trump announced a new 10% tariff on imported timber and wood products on September 29, 2025, adding to the 35% tariffs imposed in August. The report states this represents the latest phase in a dispute dating back to the 1980s, when U.S. producers first alleged Canadian companies benefited from unfair government subsidies.