U.S. Softwood Lumber Duties Continue to Increase Costs for American and Canadian Families

On Wednesday, October 14, 2026, Kevin Holland, Associate Minister of Forestry and Forest Products; Mike Harris, Minister of Natural Resources; and Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, issued a statement in response to the latest U.S. Department of Commerce decision on softwood lumber duties:

“Ontario’s position is clear. Duties on Canadian softwood lumber exports are unjustified and are hurting workers, businesses and communities in Canada and the United States. These punitive and unjustified measures are raising construction costs and making life more expensive for American families.

Ontario is a global leader in manufacturing and exporting forest products from sustainable, responsibly managed forests. Our forest sector supports thousands of workers and communities across the province and plays an important role in supplying the wood products needed for homebuilding and infrastructure on both sides of the border.

While the decision to decrease the duty rate to 24.75 per cent may suggest some relief to softwood lumber producers, Ontario remains firm in our position that these duties are unwarranted, not supported by evidence and making life more expensive for American families and businesses. We continue to call for the United States to eliminate all softwood lumber duties and tariffs and work with Canada toward a fair agreement that provides long-term certainty for the sector: a deal that strengthens North American competitiveness, supports integrated supply chains and provides the certainty needed to drive investment, growth and job creation in both countries.

Standing up for forestry means supporting Ontario communities, livelihoods and our way of life. We will continue to protect Ontario jobs by challenging these unjustified duties and work towards a fair and durable trade agreement that protects Ontario’s interests.”