Canadian softwood lumber producers are getting a temporary reprieve as a large portion of preliminary duties in place for four months have ended pending a final decision. Five producers singled out have paid duties between 9.89 and 30.88 per cent. Lumber prices, which ran up in anticipation of export duties, have begun to soften partly due to the lowering of duties. Lumber prices are typically weaker in the fall after the main home building season. The Conference Board of Canada has said U.S. softwood lumber duties paid at current export levels will cost Canadian producers $1.7 billion a year and cut about 2,200 jobs until a settlement is reached.

Source: CBC News August 29, 2017 19:03 UTC