Statement from Jerome Pelletier, Chairman of the New Brunswick Lumber Producers (NBLP) Regarding Anti-Dumping Duties

The anti-dumping duty of 6.87% announced today by the US Department of Commerce is more tough news and will put significant pressure on New Brunswick lumber producers who are already challenged by the 19.88% countervailing duty.  New Brunswick should be granted the historic 35 year Maritime exemption from any duties on softwood lumber shipments to the US.  Nothing has changed.  We’re market driven and have the highest Crown stumpage rates in Canada. 

There is much at stake for New Brunswick.  Proportionately, forest products in NB contribute more to the provincial economy than forest products in BC. No other industry impacts as many communities in NB as forestry and forest products.   NB sawmills are vital to rural New Brunswick and the many mills that make products from the chips that come from these NB sawmills.