Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre said Canada will make no more concessions in trade talks as a 50% [1] softwood lumber tariff looms.
The outcome of these negotiations will determine whether the U.S. imposes significant costs on the Canadian forestry sector, a move that could disrupt North American supply chains.
Canadian and U.S. officials met Sunday to discuss the dispute [1]. The meeting included Canada-U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer [1]. The discussions occur as the deadline for a trade agreement approaches on Aug. 19 [1].
Poilievre said any new trade deal between the two nations must remove the tariffs on softwood lumber. He said, "No more concessions while getting nothing in return" [2].
The U.S. government, under President Donald Trump, is prepared to implement the 50% [1] tariff if an agreement is not reached. From the time of the Sunday meeting, officials had three days [2] to secure a resolution before the tariffs take effect.
Poilievre said, "Any new U.S. trade deal must remove softwood lumber tariffs" [2]. The Conservative leader's stance emphasizes a shift toward demanding reciprocal benefits in trade negotiations with Washington.
Trade officials are working to avoid the tariff by securing its removal through a comprehensive new deal. The forestry industry remains a central point of contention in the ongoing bilateral relationship between the two neighbors.
“"No more concessions while getting nothing in return."”
The hardening of Canada's negotiating position suggests a strategic shift in how the country handles trade disputes with the U.S. By rejecting further concessions, Canada is gambling that the U.S. will prioritize trade stability over the imposition of the 50% tariff. If no deal is reached by Aug. 19, the resulting tariffs would likely increase construction costs in the U.S. while severely impacting Canadian lumber exports.
