Canada· August 18, 2026 at 01:38 a.m.
BC Plywood Manufacturer Faces Unsustainable Tariffs as Deadline Approaches
Key takeaways
- New tariffs on Canadian exports will take effect this Wednesday
- BC is estimated to have about 13% of the U.S. share of affected exports
- A 50% tariff may not be feasible for Richmond Plywood due to profit margin concerns
A Richmond-based plywood manufacturer is bracing for potential financial strain as new tariffs on Canadian exports, including 20% of sales at Richmond Plywood, are set to take effect this Wednesday. The duties will impact approximately $28 billion worth of goods, with B.C. estimated to have about 13% of the U.S. share of those exports affected. According to Bhavjit Thandi, CFO of Richmond Plywood, a 50% tariff is not feasible for their business as it exceeds their profit margins and may not be acceptable to U.S. customers. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is expected to discuss the matter with U.S. President Donald Trump before the deadline, but British Columbia's government has been silent on the trade talks. David Eby, the province's premier, has emphasized the importance of addressing the softwood lumber sector, which he considers crucial for the Canadian economy.
