B.C. Wood Manufacturers Criticize U.S. Lumber Tariffs as 'Broken Process'
British Columbia's wood manufacturing sector has expressed frustration over the ongoing softwood lumber dispute with the United States, labeling it a 'broken process.' The Independent Wood Processors Association responded to the U.S. Department of Commerce's preliminary tariff determination, which suggests a potential reduction in tariffs from over 35% to just under 25%. Despite this, the association remains skeptical about whether the finalized rate, expected in August, will indeed lower the current duty rate. Executive Director Brian Menzies argues that wood manufacturers are unfairly targeted, as they do not hold timber tenures, harvest Crown timber, or receive subsidies. The association calls for direct negotiations between the Canadian and U.S. governments, criticizing the existing dispute-resolution process under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) for failing to make meaningful progress. 
