Wyden Welcomes Tariffs on Canada Lumber Products

The Trump administration intensified a decades-old trade dispute with Canada this week, announcing tariffs up to 24% on imported softwood lumber.  This step escalates an economic battle with our neighbors to the north.  Oregon Senator Ron Wyden applauds the tariffs but says more can still be done.

“Unfairly traded softwood lumber from Canada has for decades hurt mill towns and American millworkers in Oregon and across the country," Wyden said.  "Today’s announcement sends the message that help is on the way.  But the fight to save mill jobs cannot end here.

Wyden added the U.S needs continued tough trade enforcement and a durable solution to the Canadian policies “that distort trade and hold American lumber businesses back from fully realizing their potential.”

Canada fired back, saying the tariff is an "unfair and punitive duty" imposed on "baseless and unfounded" allegations.  Canada has vowed to sue the U.S. over the tariffs, if needed.

Tuesday’s announcement follows a fight over a new Canadian milk policy that U.S. producers say violates NAFTA.

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