Coalition chairman Steve Swanson stated, "We applaud the tireless efforts of the Bush Administration officials who negotiated a means of offsetting Canadian unfair lumber practices. We look forward to working closely with them to ensure that an agreement is administered and enforced effectively to establish a fair competitive playing field for U.S. sawmills, mill workers, and family timberland owners across the United States."

Swanson continued, "We especially want to thank President Bush and Prime Minister Harper for their personal leadership and the Bush Administration team, USTR-Designate Ambassador Susan Schwab and USTR General Counsel Jim Mendenhall, for their skill and dedication. We understand that there have been very tough, marathon negotiations over the last two weeks and the determination and skill of the U.S. negotiators were crucial to arriving at settlement that is balanced and fair. Ambassador Schwab could not have been better at advancing United States economic interests while understanding what the Canadian governments and industry could accept. She demonstrated the talents needed to be chief U.S. trade negotiator."

The Coalition has long sought to end Canadian provinces' sale of timber (standing trees) to Canadian lumber companies for small fraction of the timber's market value. This subsidy has cost multitudes of U.S. jobs and scores of competitive U.S. sawmills. The Coalition initiated unfair trade proceedings before U.S. agencies in 2001, and the U.S. government has maintained countervailing (antisubsidy) and antidumping duties on Canadian lumber since that time.

"All we have ever asked is that Canadian timber and logs be sold in open and competitive markets," said Swanson. He concluded, "We hope that the Canadian governments take this opportunity to move to market sales."

About the Coalition for Fair Lumber Imports

The U.S. Coalition for Fair Lumber Imports is an alliance of large and small lumber producers from around the country, joined by hundreds of thousands of their employees, and tens of thousands of woodland owners. The Coalition is united in opposition to Canada's unfair lumber-trade practices, including its gross under-pricing of timber. For more information, please visit the Coalition's website at http://www.fairlumbercoalition.org/.

Source: The Coalition for Fair Lumber Imports