Ontario Urges U.S. to Eliminate Softwood Lumber Tariffs Despite Potential Duty Reduction

Ontario softwood lumber tariffs continue to impact housing costs and cross-border trade despite potential U.S. duty reductions

April 10, 2026 Alwin Marshall-Squire Breaking News, Local News 0

Stacks of softwood logs awaiting processing at a lumber yard in British Columbia. Ontario officials say new U.S. softwood lumber tariffs threaten the industry. File photo. — Stacks of softwood logs awaiting processing at a lumber yard in British Columbia. Ontario officials say new U.S. tariffs threaten the industry. File photo.

Ontario softwood lumber tariffs remain a key issue for housing affordability and cross-border trade

TORONTO — The Ontario government is continuing to call for the full removal of U.S. duties and tariffs on softwood lumber, even as early signals suggest a possible reduction in rates later this year.

In a joint statement released April 10, Associate Minister of Forestry and Forest Products Kevin Holland, Minister of Natural Resources Mike Harris, and Minister of Economic Development Vic Fedeli responded to a preliminary indication from the U.S. Department of Commerce that duties could fall from the current level of approximately 35 per cent.

Ontario maintains tariffs are unjustified

Despite the potential decrease, Ontario officials emphasized that the duties remain unwarranted and continue to negatively impact both Canadian producers and consumers on both sides of the border.

“While this preliminary indication suggests some relief for softwood lumber producers later this year, Ontario remains firm that duties are unwarranted and not supported by the evidence,” the ministers said.

The province reiterated its position that all duties should be removed entirely, arguing that tariffs distort market conditions and undermine economic efficiency.

Ontario remains firm that softwood lumber duties are unwarranted and unjustified.

In response to the U.S. Department of Commerce’s preliminary decision on softwood lumber duties, please see our statement below. https://t.co/LeNMK3R5wE https://t.co/IYm0gS7DrW pic.twitter.com/r6a1JqaAtK

— Mike Harris (@mikeharrisjrpc) April 10, 2026

Impact on housing and supply chains

The Ontario government highlighted the broader economic implications of ongoing tariffs, particularly in the context of housing affordability and construction costs.

“These ongoing duties and tariffs reduce productivity, disrupt supply chains, drive up the cost of construction and make housing less affordable,” the statement said.

Ontario’s forestry sector plays a critical role in supplying high-quality wood products used in residential construction and infrastructure projects across North America. Government officials noted that both Canadian and American builders rely on Ontario-produced softwood lumber.

Call for long-term resolution

The province is urging U.S. officials to work collaboratively with Canada toward a durable and fair trade agreement that supports workers, businesses and families in both countries.

“Trade and cooperation make our two countries stronger, safer and more prosperous,” the ministers said. “We urge the United States to work with Canada on a fair and long-term resolution in support of workers, families and businesses on both sides of the border.”

The ongoing softwood lumber dispute remains a long-standing trade issue between Canada and the United States, with periodic duties affecting pricing, supply chains and industry competitiveness.

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About Alwin Marshall-Squire 15768 Articles

Alwin Marshall-Squire is the Editor-in-Chief of S-Q Publications Inc., overseeing editorial strategy for GTA Weekly, GTA Today, and Vision Newspaper. He leads the publications’ mission to deliver bold, original journalism focused on the people and communities of the Greater Toronto Area, Canada, and the global Caribbean diaspora. Also writes for GTA Weekly and GTA Today.