Increase in US Softwood Lumber Duties ‘Entirely Unwarranted,’ Trade Minister Says

An employee walks across the lumber yard at Ledwidge Lumber Co. in Halifax on May 10, 2017. The Canadian Press/Darren Calabrese

The federal government is lashing out at the U.S. Commerce Department over plans to raise duties on Canadian softwood lumber.

International Trade Minister Mary Ng says the U.S. has signalled it intends to raise duties to 13.86 percent, up from 8.05 percent.