Canadian lumber producers have a short duty-free ‘window’ in May to export their wood to the US.

The window, from May 5 until approximately May 23, occured after the International Trade Commission (ITC) scheduled its final decision on the effects of Canadian imports on the US lumber industry for May 16, later than expected.

The preliminary anti-dumping duty on Canadian imports expires on May 5. If the ITC rules in favour of US producers then cash duties could go into effect around May 23, giving the Canadians several weeks to ship duty free timber.