The Financial Post reports in its Tuesday edition that British Columbia's independent wood product manufacturers warn that hundreds of small- and medium-sized companies may shut down due to the U.S. raising anti-dumping duties on Canadian softwood. A Canadian Press dispatch to the Post reports that the Independent Wood Processors Association stated the U.S. Commerce Department's decision includes retroactive duties on products shipped since Jan. 1, 2023. Association chair Andy Rielly emphasized that this could jeopardize small producers and threaten personal assets, as they may need to use homes as collateral for bonds. He urges the Canadian government to implement support programs to help B.C.'s wood processors maintain operations and employment. The U.S. Commerce Department said earlier in the week it will raise anti-dumping duties on Canadian softwood to 20.56 per cent, drawing the ire of several B.C. industry groups such as the B.C. Council of Forest Industries and the B.C. Lumber Trade Council. The Independent Wood Processors Association reports that the "all-others" rate for its members will rise from 14.4 per cent to 27.3 per cent, with a potential further increase to as high as 35 per cent in the coming weeks.