Number: RL33752
Title: Softwood Lumber Imports from Canada: Issues and Events
Authors: Ross W. Gorte, Environment and Natural Resources Policy Division; Jeanne J. Grimmett, American Law Division 
Abstract: Concerns among U.S. lumber producers about softwood lumber imports from Canada have been raised for decades; the current dispute has persisted for 25 years. U.S. producers argue that they have been harmed by unfair competition, which they assert results from subsidies to Canadian producers, primarily in the form of low provincial stumpage fees (fees for the right to harvest trees from province-owned timberlands) and Canadian restrictions on log exports. Canadians defend their system, and U.S. homebuilders and other lumber users advocate unrestricted lumber imports. This report provides a concise historical account of the dispute, summarizes the subsidy and injury evidence, and discusses current issues and events.
Pages: 36
Date: December 15, 2006