Canada’s Trade Minister and U.S. Trade Representative continue to work toward a solution after failing to reach a deal on the Softwood Lumber Agreement prior to October 13th.
The U.S. Lumber Coalition has said any new agreements should maintain Canadian exports at or below and agreed U.S. market share.
Until there are no other avenues and the US Lumber Coalition files documentation with the Department of Commerce seeking redress in what they feel are possible Countervailing and Antidumping practices being conducted within the Canadian Lumber Industry, the “expectation” should be that the two sides will come to an agreement.
Often times we have little incentive to believe those who represent us, and while the vast majority of those who have gone through this before, and the time before that as well must be taken into consideration, the sage words of Yogi Berra come to mind, “It ain’t over, til it’s over”. So it is with these SWL negotiations.
We have prepared for the worst, but in expecting the best outcome, we allow ourselves time to consider that maybe; just maybe, negotiations are still the best method of achieving a positive outcome.
As events unfold, pro and con, we will keep you updated.