U.S. Settles Tariff Fight With Canada

The long-running U.S-Canadian trade feud came to an end Oct. 12, after both sides agreed on a new softwood lumber trade agreement that replaces U.S.-imposed import duties with Canadian-collected export taxes.

"This agreement will move beyond the uncertainties created by the intense litigation that has extended over two decades, benefit consumers, and create opportunities for the U.S. and Canadian industries," said U.S. trade representative Susan Schwab.

She explained that the new system of managed trade should "end a large portion of the litigation over trade in softwood lumber, and unrestricted trade will occur in favorable market conditions."

"Through flexibility, understanding and cooperation, both countries have successfully met all the requirements necessary to implement the softwood lumber agreement," said Canadian trade minister David Emerson.

Under the deal, Canadian producers will be taxed at rates based on the U.S. price of lumber-from nothing when lumber prices exceed $355 per I O00 bd. ft. up to I 5Vo when prices fall below $315/M.

In return. Canadian lumber manufacturers agreed to drop the 30 lawsuits they had filed against the U.S. govemment.

The U.S. also dropped its claim that Canada had subsidized lumber exports being dumped on the U.S. market. The U.S. also agreed to halt duties on lumber imports from Canada and refund $4.3 billion of the estimated $5 billion in duties collected by the U.S. since 2m2.

Some $500 million will go to a U.S. industry group, the Coalition for Fair Lumber Imports, and $50 million will go to a U.S.-Canadian industry council. Another 5450 million is earmarked for charities dealing with housing and forestry, including $l0O million to Habitat for Humanity International. $200 million to the U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities, and $150 million to the American Forest Foundation.

"I am pleased that, in consultation with the Canadian government. we were able to fund worthy causes that will meet fundamental needs in the forestry sector to the benefit of both countries." said Schwab.

She said that the initiative will strengthen the lumber industry in North America by promoting sustainable forest practices in wood production communities. as well as the use of lumber in building low-income housing and rebuilding after disasters.

Ace Expanding Arizona DC

Ace Hardware Corp. will break ground early next year on a 275.000sq. ft. warehouse addition to its retail support center in Prescott Valley. Az. Due to the growing number of Ace stores in the region, the center has been operating at maximum capacity "for quite some time." By enlarging the DC to nearly 900,000 sq. ft., it will be able to support the more than 300 Ace retailers in Arizona. as well as stores in California. Nevada and Utah.

"Ace Hardware prides itself on delivering orders quickly and efficiently to our independent retailers around the country," said Bill Bauman. v.p.-retail support. "The Prescott Valley expansion is a testament to the ever-growing number of Ace retailers and has positioned Ace for even greater growth potential in the Pacific resion."

SERVICES'OUTSIDE THE BOX"

Products

Raul

- Dick

- Renee

- Brad

Phoenix

- Scott

- Tom

Scheduled Truck Runs, VMI Programs, Monthly, Quarterly, Yeady Pricing Programs, Cut-To-Size, Just-ln-Time Delivery One-Stop-Shopping, Experienced Sales Staff, Warehouse, Direct and Reload Sales.

Specialties

Long Length Plywood and OSB - Thick PanelsAlternative ltems: Radiata Pine, Okume, Elliotis Pine, Low Grade Plywood and OSB - Salvage / Closeout Buys