The U.S. Department of Commerce has concluded its preliminary evaluation and concluded softwood lumber products produced in the provinces of Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island should be excluded from antidumping and countervailing duty investigations. New Brunswick is not included in this decision.
Because this is a preliminary decision, U.S. Customs will continue to collect CVD cash deposits on imports of lumber from these provinces. If finalized, this determination would exclude softwood lumber products certified to be harvested and produced in Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia from from antidumping and countervailing duties.
“I am pleased to announce that my staff has determined the exclusion of these products is appropriate,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross. “The U.S. petitioners and other parties support this determination; it of course will be subject to further comment on the record. A final decision on the matter is expected by late summer.
“I remain hopeful that a negotiated settlement is both possible and in the best interests of both countries, our forestry workers, producers, and affected communities,” said Secretary Ross.
With respect to the U.S. Department of Commerce’s antidumping investigation on softwood lumber, that preliminary determination, and the question of whether additional cash deposits will be collected, is expected to be announced later on June 26. A final determination is scheduled to be made in September.