Softwood lumber deal could spark broader trade talks, says B.C. premier, industry economist
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A resolution to the softwood lumber dispute between Canada and the United States could unlock broader trade negotiations, says Council of Forest Industries chief economist Kurt Niquidet, who applauded Premier David Eby’s efforts to raise the issue.
“We hear a lot about autos and steel and aluminum, but I think Premier Eby has been doing a good job to raise the profile of softwood lumber,” Niquidet told The Canadian Press Wednesday. “It’s not just a British Columbia issue, it’s a national issue.”
Niquidet said a fair deal could come quickly: “If there is a fair deal on the table, it could go pretty quickly.” He also noted that U.S. companies won’t be able to access their share of the $10 billion in collected duties unless their government reaches an agreement with Canada.
Premier Eby told reporters that softwood lumber could serve as a catalyst for wider trade talks following a virtual meeting between Canadian premiers and Prime Minister Mark Carney, after Carney’s visit with U.S. President Donald Trump. “This is one of those areas where it feels like we can create some momentum for a larger agreement,” Eby said.
The U.S. has lacked a softwood deal with Canada since 2015, with B.C. exporters currently facing 14.4% duties—expected to rise to 34.5% this fall. Eby criticized a new U.S. investigation into the national security implications of lumber imports, arguing Canadian lumber only makes U.S. housing more affordable.
Opposition leader John Rustad called for quicker action and suggested taxing U.S. coal exports as leverage.
