As of August 2025, the total U.S. duty on Canadian softwood lumber stands at 35.19%, composed of 20.56% anti-dumping and 14.63% countervailing duties. This is more than double the 14.40% combined rate in January 2025, which included 7.66% anti-dumping and 6.74% countervailing. Despite this increase, dealers say there is little flexibility in procurement because building specifications often mandate Canadian SPF explicitly.

Grading rules push Canadian SPF over American SPFs

There is a prevailing trend unfolding where more architectural and engineering specifications are calling for Canadian SPF (spruce-pine-fir). The reason is not quality but differences in grading rules and design values. Canadian SPF and American SPFs are graded differently and are not interchangeable under many construction specifications.

This means that when a project specifies Canadian SPF, dealers must supply it to meet the requirement. Some New Hampshire retailers report that this has shifted their entire inventory to Canadian SPF. This is not a marginal factor, as the United States already purchases nearly 70% of all Canadian softwood lumber exports. The more specifications lean toward Canadian SPF, the more entrenched that reliance becomes, narrowing opportunities for American SPFs to compete.

Eric Murphy, purchasing and marketing manager at East Coast Lumber & Building Supply Company and incoming president of the New Hampshire Retail Lumber Association (NHRLA), explained: “We’re seeing the specifications in project plans leave us with no real choice. If the plan calls for Canadian SPF, that’s what we have to supply. Over time, it’s pushed us to the point where we now only stock Canadian SPF. It’s not a question of preference; it’s about meeting the requirements of the jobs our customers are building.”

The NHRLA is working to introduce state legislation that would require a preference for American SPFs when pricing and performance are competitive. Without action, this specification trend could further increase dependence on Canadian lumber at the same time tariffs and duties are reaching historic highs.

Source: hbsdealer.com