The value of B.C. softwood shipments into the United States has plunged 25 per cent as American duties and lower-than-expected home construction south of the border reduce demand. In the first half of this year, producers in British Columbia sent softwood worth $1.5-billion to the U.S., compared with $2billion in the same period last year, according to trade data compiled by the B.C. government.  The volume of lumber exports has also tumbled, with 6.9 million cubic metres of B.C. softwood sold into the U.S. in this year ...