Canada’s largest private-sector union is pushing the federal government to negotiate a permanent agreement on softwood lumber exports to avoid ongoing tariff battles that are disrupting an industry dependent on stability and long-term planning.
Unifor, which represents 24,000 forestry workers across 10 provinces, says recent U.S. duty increases are harming Canadian workers and communities while making housing more expensive for American consumers.
Duties climb as uncertainty grows
The U.S. Department of Commerce raised anti-dumping duties on Canadian softwood lumber exporters on July 25, with rates jumping from 7.66% to 20.56% for most companies. A final decision on additional countervailing duties is expected August 8.
The increases come as the White House conducts a Section 232 investigation into timber and lumber imports that could result in further tariffs starting in November.
“Tariffs are already causing damage to workers, communities and the industry. Forestry is a multi-generational industry that requires long-term planning, stability, and investment,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “We need an urgent negotiated settlement with the United States that is fair and reasonable so that Canadian softwood producers and forestry workers can get back to producing the lumber and wood products that are needed.”
Canadian supply fills U.S. gap
Despite the trade tensions, American demand for Canadian lumber remains strong due to domestic supply limitations.
“U.S. softwood producers can only cover about 70% of demand in that country, and Canadian softwood makes up around 25% of the remaining supply—they need our lumber,” said Unifor Quebec Director Daniel Cloutier. “Along with punishing Canadian softwood producers and forestry workers, these unfair and unjust duties are making housing more expensive for American homeowners.”
Union seeks government action
Unifor has been pushing for a coordinated federal response to support the forestry sector, including through a recent letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney. The union is calling for what it describes as a “large-scale Team Canada approach” to protect the industry across all regions.
The union has also developed recommendations linking forestry support to affordable housing strategies and has committed to working with all levels of government on economic protection plans, trade diversification and income security for affected workers.
Industry impact
The forestry sector remains a key economic driver, particularly in rural communities across Canada. Unifor members work in sawmills, pulp and paper plants, and wood products manufacturing facilities from coast to coast.
The ongoing trade dispute represents the latest chapter in a decades-long disagreement over Canadian softwood lumber exports to the United States, with previous rounds of duties and negotiations creating uncertainty for employers trying to make investment decisions in the sector.
