Forest Sector, Resolute Forest Products Applaud Canada’s Complaint Filing against U.S.

This past week, the Government of Canada launched a complaint against the U.S. challenging Washington’s use of anti-dumping and anti-subsidy duties. Canada said U.S. procedures broke the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Anti-Dumping Agreement, the Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures, the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, and the Understanding on Rules and Procedures Governing the Settlement of Disputes.

"These rates tabled last night by the U.S. on uncoated groundwood paper represent the third action that stands to hurt hard working men and women in our mill communities across Canada," said Derek Nighbor, CEO, Forest Products Association of Canada. "These duties are unwarranted and without merit and we 100% support the federal government’s ‘WTO filing’ position. Canada and the U.S. share a longstanding and important relationship, but in the face of these unfounded trade actions, it’s important that our government defends Canada’s interests.

"Meanwhile, Resolute Forest Products Inc., Montreal, Que., Canada, expressed praise for the Government of Canada’s WTO complaint filing. Resolute applauded the Canadian action, standing up for Canadian jobs and families, the company's customers and business partners in the U.S., and the international rule of law. 

"Resolute has been a victim of this pattern of behavior by the U.S. Department of Commerce. We are repeatedly confronting the same discredited protectionist policies when we fairly sell paper and lumber to American consumers who need and want these products," stated Richard Garneau, president and CEO.

"Many more jobs are at risk in the U.S. when there is not enough lumber to build houses or paper to print newspapers and books. Unfortunately, it is American consumers who pay the price of unfair duties. Canada is rightly emphasizing the U.S. is a continental partner, and free trade between the two nations is in the best interests of both countries and their shared economic prosperity."

Resolute Forest Products is a global player in the forest products industry with a diverse range of products, including market pulp, tissue, wood products, newsprint, and specialty papers, which are marketed in more than 70 countries. The company owns or operates some 40 manufacturing facilities, as well as power generation assets, in the U.S. and Canada. Resolute has third-party certified 100% of its managed woodlands to internationally recognized sustainable forest management standards. 

Resolute has received regional, North American, and global recognition for its leadership in corporate social responsibility and sustainable development, as well as for its business practices. More information about Resolute Forest Products is available online.