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I live in British Columbia, Canada where US tariffs on the softwood lumber
has caused much unemployment. I hadn't realized that this level of
protectionism extended to other resources. I would like to add some
observations.
For years now a 33% "dumping" tariff has been imposed on BC lumber and it is
unlikely Canada will see much of that money, something that would be
considered illegal inside of the US
The WTO also ruled in favor of Canada but there has been little resolution
There is no tariff on the export of "raw logs" only the value-added
products, a part of our industry which BC has spent 20 years developing.
Because this sector of our industry is relatively new, so are our mills and
technology in this area. Bluntly we are efficient.
Likewise with software. I work in software quality assurance, and I can
assure you that jobs are not being exported to "less skilled" workers. India
in particular has invested heavily in developing its technology sector.
There is a surge of Capability Maturity Model certifications in India. Many
companies over there are a CMM level 5 (the best you can get), and China is
not far behind. Meanwhile software error cost the US economy more than $59
billion dollars in 2002. As a consumer, I would rather by from a company
that has superior process capability seeing as users carry more than 50% of
$59 billion noted above.
We all live with change and cope with it. BC has had the opportunity to
cultivate new markets, often with countries experiencing tariffs in other
areas. When some things end, others begin. The world is shrinking and no
country is an island.
Barbara Hubert, Best Practices Specialist
"Looking outside the box to identify and promote industry accepted ways of
doing things, that work."
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