The U.S. Commerce department said it will impose smaller penalties than previously announced on Canadian softwood lumber.
In its final determination, Commerce said most Canadian producers will pay a combined countervailing and anti-dumping rate of 20.83%, down from 26.75% in the preliminary determination issued earlier this year.
“While I am disappointed that a negotiated agreement could not be reached between domestic and Canadian softwood producers, the United States is committed to free, fair and reciprocal trade with Canada,” US. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said in a press release.
“This decision is based on a full and unbiased review of the facts in an open and transparent process that defends American workers and businesses from unfair trade practises.
The Canadian government has vowed to defend the domestic lumber industry against protectionist measures.
The preliminary duties have forced Canadian companies to pay hundreds of millions of dollars in deposits, which could be refunded if they win a final ruling by the U.S. International Trade Commission on December 18, 2017.
Shares of
Canfor Corp. (
TSX: T.CFP,
Forum), a leading Canadian lumber producer, gained 0.15% to $25.91 on Friday.