Canada requests trade panel on uncoated groundwood paper ruling by U.S.

OTTAWA — Canada has requested a NAFTA trade panel review a U.S. Commerce Department ruling that imposed duties on uncoated groundwood products like newsprint.

The U.S. International Trade Commission overturned the Commerce Department’s ruling in late August, but it could be appealed.

Jean Majeau, spokesman for the Kruger Inc. paper company, says the request for a review of the Commerce Department’s decision will help protect the rights of Canadian producers if the North Pacific Paper Co. does appeal the ITC ruling.

The reversal of the duties on paper products like newsprint came after numerous U.S. lawmakers and businesses had complained the tax threatened the already-struggling newspaper industry.