B.C. could challenge U.S. lumber tariffs in U.S. courts, Eby says

B.C. Premier David Eby said a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling may let the province challenge a 10% U.S. national-security tariff on softwood lumber and that officials will consult a U.S.-based law firm; existing anti-dumping levies remain in place and total about 45%.

British Columbia Premier David Eby said a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that struck down broad global tariffs could open the door to legal challenges against other U.S. tariffs affecting the province's softwood lumber industry. He spoke at a press conference in Vancouver with Jobs Minister Ravi Kahlon. Eby noted the ruling does not remove long-standing U.S. anti-dumping levies but could allow a challenge to an additional 10-per-cent tariff imposed last fall on national-security grounds. The province plans to contact its U.S.-based law firm to review possible options. Key facts: - A U.S. Supreme Court ruling struck down far-reaching global tariff authority, according to the report. - Premier Eby said the ruling "opens up the possibility" of challenging the additional 10-per-cent national-security tariff on B.C. softwood lumber. - Various countervailing duties and tariffs on B.C. softwood lumber currently add up to about 45 per cent. - The provincial government will reach out to its U.S. law firm and said it may pursue a challenge, while acknowledging that trade litigation is typically a federal responsibility. Summary: The ruling could create a legal avenue for B.C. to contest the extra 10% tariff, but existing anti-dumping levies remain in force. Officials say the province will consult a U.S. law firm and may pursue litigation, and they noted that such actions often involve federal authorities. The specific timeline and next legal steps have not been announced.