TORONTO, July 28, 2025 /CNW/ – Unifor is asking on the federal authorities to barter a long-term settlement for softwood lumber exports to america that can keep away from the rollercoaster of duties and threatened tariffs presently inflicting chaos in a sector that depends on long-term planning.
“Tariffs are already inflicting injury to employees, communities and the business. Forestry is a multi-generational business that requires long-term planning, stability, and funding,” stated Unifor Nationwide President Lana Payne. “We want an pressing negotiated settlement with america that’s honest and affordable in order that Canadian softwood producers and forestry employees can get again to producing the lumber and wooden merchandise which can be wanted.”
The U.S. Division of Commerce’s last resolution on July 25 to lift anti-dumping duties on Canadian softwood lumber exporters, together with from 7.66% to twenty.56% for many firms, can be along with a last resolution anticipated on August 8 on countervailing duties.
“U.S. softwood producers can solely cowl about 70% of demand in that nation, and Canadian softwood makes up round 25% of the remaining provide—they want our lumber,” stated Unifor Quebec Director Daniel Cloutier. “Together with punishing Canadian softwood producers and forestry employees, these unfair and unjust duties are making housing costlier for American owners.”
Unifor has been actively calling for a large-scale Group Canada method to help the forestry sector throughout Canada and in every of its areas, together with by way of a latest letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney.
In March 2025, the White Home introduced a Part 232 investigation to find out the consequences on nationwide safety of imports of timber, lumber and their spinoff merchandise. Relying on the findings of that investigation, Canada might see tariffs on these merchandise beginning in November. These potential tariffs could be on high of the already unacceptable softwood duties.
Learn Unifor’s suggestion to help forestry with an inexpensive house technique right here.
The union has dedicated to defending and defending forestry jobs by way of no matter means vital. In an announcement from the Unifor Forestry Council, the union vowed to “proceed working with federal, provincial and municipal governments to develop financial safety and monetary help plans, commerce diversification methods, mitigate job losses and improve revenue safety provisions for all employees.”
For extra data on the union’s work to Battle for Forestry Jobs, go to unifor.org/forestry.
