B.C. forestry braces for worst as U.S. tariffs hit lumber exports

British Columbia's forestry industry expects to be among the hardest hit by new 50 per cent U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods, given the province's status as Canada's largest lumber producer. The sector exported about $6.7 billion in wood and forest products to the U.S. in 2024, with the tariffs capturing over $4 billion in goods including raw lumber and processed items like fibreboard and paper packaging. Industry leaders call the situation the worst ever faced, adding to existing duties that have already closed more than 20 mills since 2023. B.C. forestry officials say high production costs from regulations hinder diversification to other markets, and they anticipate job losses. Prime Minister Mark Carney suspended trade talks with the U.S. on Saturday, stating Canada will return to negotiations only when treated as a sovereign nation.