Many Canadian softwood lumber producers are getting a reprieve, as most of the preliminary U-S duties that have been in place for the past four months come to an end. Most companies will now pay about seven per cent in anti-dumping tariffs after a nearly 20 per cent rate for countervailing duties formally ended over the weekend. Countervailing duties target what the United States considers unfair subsidies, while anti-dumping tariffs go after the alleged selling of softwood below market value. The respite will last until the U-S Commerce Department announces a final duty decision on September 7th.