U.S. Claims Victory in Lumber Case Against Canada

(Reuters)

An international tribunal has ruled for the United States in a dispute with Canada over a softwood lumber deal struck in 2006, the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office said on Thursday.
The decision requires Canada to fix its breach in the agreement within 30 days, acting U.S.

Trade Representative Peter Allgeier said in a statement. Ottawa also must collect an additional 10% export charge on softwood lumber shipments from Eastern Canadian provinces until C$68.26 million ($54.8 million at current exchange rates) has been accumulated, he said.

“We are pleased with the tribunal’s decision,” Allgeier said. “This dispute settlement proceeding is now at an end. We look forward to Canada working quickly to cure the breach.”

Canadian officials said they were disappointed with the ruling and would discuss with Canadian industry and provinces how to implement it. Read more here.