NAFTA
PANEL ORDERS U.S. TO CORRECT FLAWED SOFTWOOD ANTI-DUMPING DETERMINATION
International
Trade Minister Pierre Pettigrew welcomed today's NAFTA panel decision,
which states that the United States' application of anti-dumping duties on
Canadian softwood lumber was inconsistent with U.S. domestic law.
The
NAFTA panel has ordered the U.S. Department of Commerce to issue a new
determination within 60 days.
"The
panel told the U.S. to correct its flawed determination," said
Minister Pettigrew.
"Canada will continue to pursue all avenues to defend its softwood
lumber industry, including its other WTO and NAFTA challenges."
The
NAFTA anti-dumping challenge has been led by the Canadian softwood lumber
industry and deals with company-specific issues, including pricing
practices.
In
May 2002, the United States imposed both a countervailing duty and an
anti-dumping duty on Canada's softwood lumber exports. Canada is currently
fighting both through the World Trade Organization (WTO) and NAFTA. On
May 27, 2003, Minister Pettigrew welcomed the news that a WTO
panel's interim decision supported Canada's claim that Canadian provincial
stumpage programs are not subsidies. A final decision in that case is
expected to be released on July 22, 2003. The results of other legal
challenges are expected later this summer and fall. The Government of
Canada is working closely with the provinces and industry on these
challenges.
For
more information regarding Canada's legal challenges against the United
States at the World Trade Organization and under NAFTA, visit:
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/eicb/softwood/legal_action-en.asp
For
more information regarding softwood lumber issues in general, please
visit:
http://www.softwoodlumber.gc.ca
