U.S. IMPOSES 19.31 DUTY ON CANADIAN SOFTWOOD LUMBER

U.S. IMPOSES 19.31 DUTY ON CANADIAN SOFTWOOD LUMBER    The U.S. Commerce Department imposed a 19.31 duty rate on Canadian softwood imports Friday as a result of a “preliminary determination” in its countervailing duty investigation.
   “This decision was one that the department reached after careful consideration of the law and the facts on the record,” said Commerce Secretary Don Evans. “I’m pleased that this process has been open and transparent and that all parties have had full opportunity to have their views heard.”
   Commerce launched the investigation based on a petition filed by the U.S. lumber industry’s Coalition for Fair Lumber Imports Executive Committee after the expiration of the Softwood Lumber Agreement on March 31. The U.S. lumber industry had lobbied for a 39.9-percent duty on Canadian softwood lumber imports.
   The U.S. lumber industry has insisted that Canada lumber production is subsidized because the stumpage fees are set by the provincial governments, and the prices are lower than what’s charged for stumpage in the United States.
   The new U.S. duty assessment for Canadian softwood lumber takes effect on the date of publication of the preliminary determination, expected by Aug. 20. Softwood lumber products are covered under U.S. Harmonized Tariff System headings 4407.1000, 4409.1010, 4409.1090, and 4409.1020, and include lumber, flooring and siding.