1.   At issue is a proposal by British Columbia to cap its softwood lumber exports to the U.S. at a certain level, yet to be determined.

2.   Even with prospects for more demand, though, the lumber outlook is clouded by a quota on Canadian lumber exports to the U.S., analysts said.

3.   For instance, a truce has been reached in a fight that goes back at least a decade over American industry complaints that Canadians unfairly subsidize lumber exports.

4.   In Canada, a bitter dispute over lumber exports to the United States is having a serious economic impact throughout western Canada.

5.   In that case, Canadian mills could be encouraged to increase lumber exports to the U.S. to gain revenue in the stronger U.S. dollar.

6.   Prime Minister Jean Chretien said he had warned President George Bush that he cannot expect to restrict lumber exports while also calling for more Canadian energy.

7.   Shares of lumber producers could rise today after Canada agreed to reduce softwood lumber exports to the U.S. by nine percent.

8.   The increase comes seven months after Canada agreed to restrict its lumber exports to the U.S.

9.   Earlier this year, Sec. Ramos ordered the lifting of the ban on lumber exports which was met by opposition from various sectors.

10.   Even the Wood Producers Association of the Philippines joined the fray yesterday by issuing statement against the lifting of the ban on lumber export.