US 'Ready' to Negotiate Canadian Lumber Trade Following SLA Lapse, Says USTR

The U.S. is prepared to negotiate terms of future lumber trade with Canada following the recent expiration of the Softwood Lumber Agreement, a spokesman for the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative said on Oct. 15. “The United States is in close contact with domestic stakeholders and stands ready to engage with Canada to ensure fair and stable conditions for trade in softwood lumber that reflect current market realities," said the spokesman. The SLA lapsed on Oct. 12. The U.S. Lumber Coalition lashed into Canada’s alleged refusal to negotiate a renewal of the agreement (see 1510130010). A Canadian government official, also in recent days, criticized alleged U.S. reluctance to hold talks, according to Canadian media (here). The lapse of the SLA could pave the way for antidumping and countervailing duties on Canadian softwood lumber.