“This is nothing more than a delaying tactic designed to keep the duties in effect as long as possible,” said NAHB President Bobby Rayburn. “U.S. lumber producers know their case is very weak. However, they understand that as long as the case drags on, the tariffs will remain in effect and continue to pad their bottom line at the expense of U.S. consumers.”
An extraordinary challenge is the last legal avenue available under a NAFTA panel ruling, which carries the weight of law in Canada, the U.S. and Mexico.
The U.S. has never won an extraordinary challenge under NAFTA. A decision on the case is expected in March of 2005. A loss would force the U.S. government to rescind the levies and return more than $2.6 billion in duties collected to date.
For more information, e-mail Michael Strauss or call him at 800-368-5242 x8252.
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