U.S. reduces softwood duties to less than 1%

The U.S. Commerce Dept. will slash its duties on Canadian softwood lumber in accordance with a NAFTA ruling.

The duty will fall from 18.8 per cent to 0.8 per cent, although the change won't occur for about six weeks as the matter works its way through the "comments" period.



http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20051122/softwood_duties_051122/20051122?hub=TopStories

Somehow I missed the news that they have backed off on the duties at least but I still want our 5 billion back before I say anything complimentary, lol.

they don't seem to have completely clean hands re Enron or, at least, their actions have been questioned by Washington State.

...but I think re: California that they're suing BC Hydro, amongst others, for "gouging" them during their energy crisis. But really, if they demand the energy, and lots of it that means its going to cost a lot. And they didn't want to build more capacity, so its their own fault.

Didn't know about Washington, but I heard something about Enron before.

Washington — The U.S. Commerce Department said Tuesday it will comply with a free trade panel order to cut penalties on Canadian softwood lumber but there's no end yet to a bitter fight that's raising hackles on both sides of the border.

John Sullivan, the department's general counsel, said U.S. officials are considering whether to appeal the ruling under the North American Free Trade Agreement.

In the meantime, there will be no reduction in penalties of some 20 per cent on Canadian imports while the longstanding battle continues and none of the money collected so far will be returned.

"Our assessment of this is that after the briefing period is over. . .they will request an extraordinary challenge committee," said Grenier.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20051122.wswood1122/BNStory/Front/

As clear as mud.