Tester Stands with Montana Lumber Mills

Senator Applauds International Trade Commission Decision Maintaining Tariffs

(U.S. Senate) – U.S. Senator Jon Tester today released the following statement applauding a decision by the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) to move forward on duties on Canadian softwood lumber imports:

“This decision helps level the playing field, keep the market competitive, and ensure Montana’s lumber producers have a fair shot going forward. Timber jobs are critically important to Montana’s economy and our hardworking families.”

The ruling by the ITC will formally place duties on Canadian lumber after a Department of Commerce investigation determined the Canadian government unfairly subsidizes its lumber. Canadian timber is primarily located on government-owned land, allowing lumber producers to pay less than what U.S. producers pay for timber located on private land in the United States.