Canada’s lumber industry’s eyeing global markets to offset US tariffs

Canada’s lumber industry remains heavily export-dependent, with roughly 65% of production sold abroad. The United States is by far the largest customer, accounting for about 87% of exports in 2025, leaving Canadian producers highly exposed to US trade policy. In 2025, the US imposed new trade barriers on Canadian lumber, including tariffs under “Section 232” and higher anti-dumping and countervailing duties. These measures are estimated to raise producers’ costs by 25–30%, significantly eroding price competitiveness and pushing many sawmills into negative margins. Canada is expected to seek greater market diversification in regions such as ...