States like Scrooge on softwood surcharges.The Canadian softwood industry was angered and disappointed in mid-December when the United States United States, officially United States of America, republic (2005 est. pop. 295,734,000), 3,539,227 sq mi (9,166,598 sq km), North America. The United States is the world's third largest country in population and the fourth largest country in area. Commerce Department decided to virtually maintain punitive trade duties on imported lumber. The surcharge, which came into effect by the end of the year, includes a countervailing duty Noun 1. countervailing duty - a duty imposed to offset subsidies by foreign governments tariff, duty - a government tax on imports or exports; "they signed a treaty to lower duties on trade between their countries" of 17.18 per cent and a dumping rate of 4.03 per cent. The result is a much smaller reduction than industry leaders were hoping for. After the commerce department reviewed duties paid between May 2002 and April 2003, officials proposed slashing the combined duties from 27.2 per cent to 13.2 per cent. Free Trade Lumber Council executive director Carl Grenier said the under-whelming rate cut indicates the White House wants to pressure Ottawa to resume negotiations and by extension avoid facing the issue head-on in the marketplace or the courts. Other officials are fed up with what they call an illegal trade practice. Jamie Lim, president and CEO (1) (Chief Executive Officer) The highest individual in command of an organization. Typically the president of the company, the CEO reports to the Chairman of the Board. of the Ontario Forestry Industry Association, said the department of commerce is plainly continuing a lawless approach to countervailing duty laws. She is confident, however, a North American North American named after North America. North American blastomycosis see North American blastomycosis. North American cattle tick see boophilusannulatus. Free Trade (NAFTA NAFTA in full North American Free Trade Agreement Trade pact signed by Canada, the U.S., and Mexico in 1992, which took effect in 1994. Inspired by the success of the European Community in reducing trade barriers among its members, NAFTA created the world's ) Panel will overturn the new duties, as it has in the past. The $10-billion annual industry has paid out about $3.8 billion in duties since May 2002. |
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