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:: Friday, March 19, 2004 ::

U.S. aims to quash Canfor suit By STEVEN CHASE, Globe and Mail
Ottawa — The U.S. government is trying to quash Canfor Corp.'s lawsuit under NAFTA that seeks damages for two years of punitive softwood lumber duties, a move observers say is an attempt to erode key protections for investors under the trade deal.

Vancouver-based Canfor, Canada's large softwood producer, is seeking $250-million in damages from Washington, claiming punitive duties imposed on Canadian lumber shipments are a violation of the North American free-trade agreement. It launched the claim in November, 2001, under NAFTA's controversial Chapter 11, which is supposed to protect investors from unfair treatment.

Canada, U.S. near softwood lumber solution Today's Trucking
Canada and the United States may implement a softwood lumber export quota regime as a solution to the current softwood lumber dispute, according to Customs firm Livingston International.

Under such a regime, qualified Canadian exporters would receive an export quota based upon the quantity of lumber exported to the U.S. from April 1, 2001 to September 30, 2003 -- otherwise known as the 'export quota base period.'

posted 7:55 AM :: reference link :: 0 comments ::

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