**British Columbia Premier David Eby. / BCNDP PHOTO**

Canadian officials are considering limits on softwood lumber exports to the U.S. in an effort to resolve a decades-long trade dispute, as tariffs are set to more than double this fall. “We think there is actually an opportunity for lumber to be one of the early agreements and wins that are struck,” British Columbia Premier David Eby told Bloomberg News, adding that “for the first time, there’s some willingness to have a conversation” about implementing quotas.

Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed that reaching a truce is a “top priority” and noted that most softwood agreements with the U.S. involve “some element of managed trade,” including shipment quotas. The U.S. Commerce Department plans to raise combined anti-dumping and countervailing duties to 34.45% by September, and Carney warned that softwood, which is not covered by the USMCA, could also face a separate 35% tariff starting Aug. 1. While Ottawa and Washington remain in talks, Carney acknowledged that any final pact may still leave some U.S. tariffs in place, even as he seeks a “global agreement” with President Donald Trump.