Another increase in softwood lumber duties from the United States.

Duties have more than doubled going from 14.4 percent to 35.19 percent.

The Ontario Forest Industries Association says to combat the new duties they are targeting domestic homebuilding and developing other markets.

The OFIA says the new duties not only hurts lumber manufacturers in Canada but home builders in the US.

A recent report from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce says between 2018 and 2024, duties have added an extra $6,000 towards building a new home in the US, and the new duties will raise that to over $14,000.

Rick Dumas is president of the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association and says the escalation is unfair and unjustified.

“Forestry is the economic backbone of many northern communities,” states Dumas.

“These duties hurt Canadian producers and American consumers alike by driving up construction costs and worsening housing affordability.”

The OFIA suggests the softwood lumber dispute should be a top priority in broader trade discussions with the United States.