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  3. It is called softwood used to build houses, but these days it is producing nothing but hard feelings. In the United States, abou

It is called softwood used to build houses, but these days it is producing nothing but hard feelings. In the United States, abou

admin2010-04-12  30
问题     It is called softwood used to build houses, but these days it is producing nothing but hard feelings. In the United States, about 30% of such softwood comes from Canada. But on March 22nd, the Department of Commerce announced that it would impose a tariff (关税) of around 29% on Canadian softwood. The Americans contend that Canada is subsidizing (给予补助金) its timber industry, and dumping wood on to its neighbour for sale at prices that do not cover its production cost.
    Canadians hotly deny this, and the two sides are hiring experts to fire each other. In Canada the provincial governments own forests, and have considerable freedom in pricing their "stumpage", as standing trees are oddly called. American critics say the Canadians give away those uncut trees and estimate that Canadian logging companies pay as much as 60% less for standing trees than they would if the market set the price.
    However, the Canadian experts concerned argue that stumpage fees cover only a small portion of what it costs a Canadian company to send lumber (木材) across the border and these companies have to build their own roads, reforest logged lands, and pay the cost of planning their sales. They feel they price their timber competitively. It is worth noting that for years American companies were themselves accused of receiving subsidies; stumpage prices for trees cut down on federal land were long criticized as too low. Then they were quiet on the subject. Now most American-produced lumber comes from private forests, but government subsidies are cancelled.
    In Seattle, Robb Dunn, president of a chain of ten lumber stores, says his customers will just have to put up with higher prices. Some reckon the tariff will increase new-home prices by as much as ＄1, 500. That may be a bit high. And rising interest rates may slow the American housing market, cutting demand.
    The two sides hope to continue talks. One way out might be an agreement under which Canada taxes its lumber companies until it reforms its pricing policies to America’s satisfaction. But Mr. Allan, for one, is not optimistic. The United States, he says, has not negotiated in good faith.
Why do Americans feel unhappy about Canadian softwood?
选项 A、It is sold at a subsidized price.
B、It produces hard feelings between the two countries.
C、It dominates the American softwood market.
D、Thirty percent of Canadian softwood comes into America.
答案A
解析
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