VANCOUVER — Two industries that are slated to be hard hit by U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to impose 25 per cent tariffs are speaking out on the severe consequences of this decision.
“Forestry is a cornerstone of British Columbia’s economy, providing tens of thousands of family-supporting jobs in every region of the province,” Kim Haakstad, president and CEO of the BC Council of Forest Industries (COFI) said in a statement.
“B.C.’s highly integrated forest industry delivers essential products like lumber and building materials for housing, pulp and paper, and bioenergy for heating and transportation.
“Despite the remarkable resilience of B.C.’s Forest industry, the current situation demands immediate and decisive action. COFI stands ready to work with the Government of B.C., including as part of the Trade and Economic Security Taskforce, to ensure the sector remains a vital part of B.C.’s economy.”
The council is also urging both nations to work together for a long-term solution. The forest industry is facing many challenges and has experienced mill closures and curtailments affecting thousands of jobs in the last few years.
“Current conditions in the sector are not only negatively impacting jobs and operations, but also government revenue, and investment in the province,” a release explains. “This tariff on all forest product exports will be devastating, potentially leading to further job losses hurting the workers and communities across the province that depend on forestry.”
B.C.’s Lumber Trade Council shared a similar view on the devastation.
“The U.S. government’s decision to impose a 25 per cent tariff on softwood lumber and other Canadian exports is a punitive, unjustified protectionist measure that will cause economic harm in both Canada and the United States,” said Kurt Niquidet, president of the BC Lumber Trade Council.
“B.C. softwood lumber producers already face 14.40 per cent duties on their shipments to the U.S. Combined, these barriers will disrupt trade, raise costs for consumers, and threaten jobs and communities on both sides of the border.”
The lumber council also stated American demand exceeds domestic supply, requiring U.S. builders to import about 30 per cent of their lumber needs.
“Canadian producers fill most of this gap, ensuring a stable, predictable supply of quality lumber,” their release states. “Tariffs disrupt this essential supply chain, increasing building material costs, at a time when affordability is already a major concern for American families.”
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