Photo courtesy Diego Gagliardi/freeimages.com

Canadian lumber producers will continue to pay duties on shipments to the U.S. for the foreseeable future.

The U.S. International Trade Commission voted to keep tariffs in place after it reviewed a 2017 ruling.

In a brief statement, the Commission says revoking tariffs would cause harm to U.S. producers.

More details behind the decision are to be made publically next month.

Ontario’s Natural Resources Minister Graydon Smith is disappointed.

He says the decision ignores Ontario’s argument that the tariffs are unwarranted and unfair.

“And it ignores Ontario’s long-standing criticism that U.S. duties on softwood lumber are unwarranted and unfair. After careful review of the ITC’s forthcoming explanations for its decision, Ontario will evaluate its legal options at this stage of the dispute, in consultation with its stakeholders,” says Smith in a statement.

Most Canadian producers are currently forced to pay 7.99 per cent in duties.