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Download | Episode 005: 8 for 2018


Canada and the U.S. have been trading lumber since the 1800s – and fighting about it for just as long. In November last year, the U.S. Commerce Department slapped Canadian exporters of softwood lumber into the U.S. with permanent duties averaging 20%. The question is, will the latest round of U.S. duties force Canada to settle for a new softwood agreement with terms picked by the Americans? Or will American consumers protest the higher prices brought on by the duties, causing the U.S. to change course?

Meanwhile, it’s becoming clear that among those getting burned in the latest softwood fight are American consumers – people just saving up to buy a house or finally do a renovation.

In the first part of the show, host Naomi Christensen lays out what’s on the line in the softwood war. In the second part, Naomi is joined by David Logan, a Director with the National Association of Home Builders in Washington, D.C. to give us perspective of the toll the dispute is taking on American consumers.

Join us as we go above the tree line for a clear-eyed view of the softwood saga.


Host: Naomi Christensen, senior policy analyst, Canada West Foundation
Guest: David Logan, Director, Tax and Trade Policy Analysis, National Association of Home Builders, Washington, D.C.