U.S. Imposes 24.75% Combined Duty Rate on Canadian Softwood Lumber in Seventh Annual Review

## U.S. Finalises 24.75% Duty Rate on Canadian Softwood Lumber The U.S. Department of Commerce has announced a final combined antidumping and countervailing duty rate of **24.75 percent** on Canadian softwood lumber imports as part of its seventh annual review of trade practices, according to a statement released by the U.S. Lumber Coalition on 14 October 2026. The ruling, which the U.S. Lumber Coalition described as reflecting the Trump administration's 'continued strong commitment' to enforcing U.S. trade laws, targets what American producers characterise as unfair subsidisation and below-cost pricing by Canadian lumber exporters. ### Freight and Shipping Market Implications For maritime and freight industry professionals, the decision carries notable commercial significance. Softwood lumber is a major bulk and breakbulk commodity moving through Pacific Northwest and Great Lakes ports, and elevated duty rates historically influence cross-border shipment volumes, modal choices, and port throughput on both sides of the U.S.-Canada border. Higher tariff burdens on Canadian imports may redirect some lumber trade flows, potentially increasing domestic U.S. production and reducing the volume of timber moving through key Canadian export terminals such as those in British Columbia. Conversely, U.S. importers absorbing the additional costs may seek alternative sourcing from European or Scandinavian suppliers, which could generate incremental ocean freight demand on transatlantic routes. ### Industry Background The U.S.-Canada softwood lumber dispute is one of the longest-running bilateral trade conflicts in North American history, spanning several decades and multiple World Trade Organization and CUSMA/USMCA dispute panels. Annual administrative reviews by the Commerce Department recalculate duty rates based on the most recent pricing and subsidy data, meaning rates can fluctuate year to year. The 24.75 percent combined rate represents the antidumping and countervailing duty components assessed together, and applies to the review period under examination — not necessarily as a prospective tariff going forward, though it sets a benchmark for deposit rates on future entries. ### Outlook Canadian industry groups and the Government of Canada have consistently challenged U.S. duty determinations through international arbitration mechanisms, and further legal proceedings are anticipated. Market participants in the bulk and breakbulk shipping sectors will be monitoring any shifts in lumber trade volumes as the ruling takes effect. *Source: U.S. Lumber Coalition / PR Newswire*