U.S. panel upholds softwood duties

WASHINGTON — The U.S. International Trade Commission has agreed unanimously that Canadian softwood harms domestic producers in its final ruling. The four commissioners sided with U.S. lumber lobbyists in keeping duties in place for the next five years, meaning that some $500 million in deposits won’t be returned to Canadian lumber producers. The B.C. Lumber Trade Council says it is preparing an appeal to the World Trade Organization, a process that could take years with no prospect of reimbursement for duties paid in the meantime.