‘Razor’s edge of survival’: Eby decries increasing softwood tariffs

By Canadian Press on October 14, 2025.

BURNABY — British Columbia Premier David Eby says increasing U.S. tariffs on Canadian softwood lumber has left anyone with jobs dependent on the forest industry under imminent threat.

In a letter sent to Prime Minister Mark Carney this week, Eby says “punitive and unfair tariffs and duties” as well as historically low prices have put many forest companies “on a razor’s edge of survival.”

An additional 10 per cent duty for softwood lumber and 25 per cent on furniture previously announced by U.S. President Donald Trump are now in effect.

The latest addition means that Canadian softwood lumber entering the United States will see combined duties and tariffs exceeding 45 per cent.

Eby says in his letter that Canada needs to have programs in place to support workers in the event of curtailments, layoffs and permanent closures, including enhanced unemployment benefits for those workers.

The premier urges the prime minister to implement the $1.2 billion worth of programs that have been promised.

“This dispute has persisted for far too long. Not only do trade protectionist measures benefit no one, they continue to create uncertainty for workers and investors and erode confidence in an industry that is foundational to both our economies,” the letter says.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 14, 2025

The Canadian Press