Canada promotes superior lumber quality against rising U.S. tariffs

Posted on March 25, 2025   |  

Canada’s softwood lumber industry holds an advantage in the trade war, with quality that tariffs cannot diminish.

Softwood from British Columbia and Alberta are preferred for wood framing due to tighter growth rings.

Canadian SPF (spruce, pine, fir) trees take 70-100 years to mature, producing high-quality lumber.

In the U.S. South, southern yellow pine (SYP) matures in 35 years, making it a versatile but different choice.

Canadian SPF lumber is lighter in weight compared to American SYP lumber.

Tighter growth rings in Canadian SPF create straighter two-by-four and two-by-six boards for construction.

U.S. sawmills produce 70% of the country’s softwood, while Canada supplies 24% of U.S. demand.

Only 0.7% of American softwood is sold in Canada, while 58% of Canadian lumber goes to the U.S.

Despite reduced foreign supply, Canada remains a key player in the U.S. lumber market.