A15% year-on-year jump in Canadian timber exports to the US has alarmed American wood industry lobbyists, who accuse the Canadian timber industry of flooding the US market before protective duties are imposed.

Canadian export officials argue that April’s disputed level of sales is normal because of increased demand from the start of the US housing season.

Protective duties of up to US$8bn per year could be imposed by the US in the wake of the collapse of the softwood lumber agreement.

US environmental group the Natural Resource Defence Council is pushing the Bush administration to impose a US$250m surcharge on Canadian producers for allegedly violating fisheries laws by logging too close to fish-bearing waters.

  • American hardware giant Home Depot has boosted Canada’s fight to stave off protective US duties by defending the quality of Canadian wood.

    Meanwhile, the US has received support from two of Canada’s biggest native groups. The Interior Alliance and the Grand Council of the Crees filed briefs with the US Department of Commerce alleging Canada unfairly subsidises forestry firms.