Tariffs and grading rules add new pressure to North American lumber prices

Canadian softwood lumber duties have risen sharply this summer. At the start of 2025, the combined “all others” duty was 14.40% (7.66% anti-dumping and 6.74% countervailing). Two Department of Commerce rulings in July and August lifted the total to 35.19%, made up of 20.56% anti-dumping and 14.63% countervailing. When Canadian prices climb, U.S. mills often adjust their own prices upward in response. “Everybody follows the numbers. It doesn’t matter what side of the border it’s coming from,” said Brian Rodgers, purchasing manager at Shepley Wood Products, in comments ...