Canadian lumber producers with operations on both sides of the border may be able to mitigate their losses, but most cannot adjust to the changing tariffs quickly enough. Photo by BRUNSWICK NEWS/Postmedia files

The latest increase in United States tariffs on Canadian softwood lumber is creating chaos in New Brunswick’s forestry sector and raising serious concerns about the future of its exports.

Chris Spencer, manager of the Southern New Brunswick Forest Products Marketing Board — which represents more than 8,000 private woodlot owners — said the combined countervailing duties and tariffs, now reaching 45 per cent, are placing intense pressure on an already fragile industry .

“Not many margins can tolerate that kind of tax or levy,” he said. “Personally, I think it’s enough

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