VANCOUVER (From news reports) -- West Fraser Timber Co. says it expects to record a US$73-million non-cash charge related to export duty expenses in its first quarter results, to be released later this month.

The company says it provided the update after the United States Department of Commerce issued preliminary rates last week for anti-dumping and countervailing duties, covering shipments made during 2024.

West Fraser says the rates are expected to come into effect later this year and would decrease its combined current cash deposit rate from to 20.7 per cent from 26.47 per cent.

West Fraser says it is also expecting to receive a refund of US$15 million in 2026 related to the Commerce Department processing the liquidation of anti-dumping duties covering exports between August and December of 2017.

The Vancouver-based wood products company says it expects to take another US$41-million non-cash charge to export duty expenses in the first quarter based on additional information from the liquidation process.

Last week, the Independent Wood Processors Association sounded the alarm about Canada's softwood lumber dispute with the United States, calling it a "broken process."