More Than Tariffs Cause Sinclar Forest Products Mill Reductions

Prince George, British Columbia-based Sinclar Forest Products is reducing production output at its Apollo Forest Products (Fort Saint James), Nechako Lumber (Vanderhoof) and Lakeland Mills (Prince George) facilities by 40%, which the company says is the equivalent of closing one mill.

Sinclar says the decision was made due to unsustainable provincial policy as well as the uncertainty surrounding fiber supply and economic challenges related to additional duties on softwood lumber imposed by the U.S, government.

“The challenges facing the forest industry in British Columbia are significant and compounding. We must take action to sustain our operations, ”says Greg Stewart, president

Stewart stressed the urgency for collective action from the provincial government, federal government, First Nation titleholders, industry partners, and fellow forestry companies to address the systemic issues threatening the sector.

BC Council of Forest Industries President and CEO Kim Haakstad issued the following statement in response to the curtailments: “The recent increase in U.S. tariffs and duties is a serious blow to an industry already strained by years of uncertainty, mill closures, and job losses. The federal government must make resolving the softwood lumber dispute a national priority. At the same time, the provincial government must act decisively to stabilize the sector in BC—ensuring mills stay open, people stay employed, and forestry continues to anchor rural, urban and First Nations communities across the province.”