THE USITC FRIDAY DETERMINED:
https://www.usitc.gov/press_room/news_release/2017/er0106ll702.htm
January 6, 2017
News Release 17-003
Inv. No. 701-TA-566 and 731-TA-1342
Contact: Peg O’Laughlin, 202-205-1819
USITC Votes to Continue Investigations on Softwood Lumber Products from Canada
The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that there is a reasonable indication that a U.S. industry is materially injured by reason of imports of softwood lumber products from Canada that are allegedly subsidized and sold in the United States at less than fair value.
EXPLANATION OF SIGNIFICANCE TO CANADIAN SOFTWOOD LUMBER EXPORTERS TO USA FROM BC MINISTRY OF FORESTS MEDIA REP:
As the U.S. ITC’s news release notes, their finding simply allows the Department of Commerce to continue with its investigations. The statutory timeline noted in the news release indicates that the earliest date that a cash deposit rate would be determined is approximately February 20th. If such a rate is determined then the rate would have to first be published in the federal register (adds about a week) meaning that cash deposits would be required going forward roughly as of the end of February – not today.
If the U.S. Department of Commerce decides that the rate is to be applied retroactively (and this decision has not yet been made) then the rate would apply to exports commencing approximately December 22, 2016. However, this retroactive application of the countervailing duty rate would not occur until the end of February which is when the cash deposit rate will be determined.
Vivian Thomas
Communications Director
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
Tel: 250 356-2475 cell: 250 213-2972
Vivian.Thomas@gov.bc.ca