A very good source to Madison’s in Québec has stated this morning that:
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U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross and the US side proposed, in their latest discussions with Canada’s Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland
– source in the Canadian industry that spoke with Chrystia Freeland’s office Friday.
A source close to the US Lumber Coalition related to Madison’s this morning that the two representatives met Friday and talked “as always” and
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“surely shook hands. But it wasn’t shaking hands on a deal.”
– source close to the US Lumber Coalition
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DETAILS FROM FRIDAY, In Case You Missed It:
A reliable source in Ottawa has conveyed that, although not signed, and subject to further negotiations, Canada’s Christina Freeland and the U.S.’ Wilbur Ross “shook hands” on a ten year Canada – U.S. Softwood Lumber Agreement. The SLA would terminate the present Canadian Softwood Lumber AD/CVD case, and be replaced with volume restrictions in the form of a quota, similar to the 2006 SLA, but without Export Surcharges. Instead of export surcharges, volume violations would involve significant penalties.
Credible rumours of Tentative Softwood Lumber deal: Canada-US