The U.S. Department of Commerce says it needs clarification from the trade body on an order that would essentially eliminate crippling countervail duties that total more than 16 per cent on softwood exports.

It's the fifth time the department has been ordered to cut the duties. And this latest delay sends a negative signal to Ottawa as to the prospects of the multibillion-dollar trade dispute ending any time soon.

U.S. Commerce officials say they need more time to decide what to do in the longrunning dispute.

Canadian producers have paid more than $5 billion in duties over the last three years and they want that money back.

But American lumber producers insist they haven't been treated fairly and the duties should remain.

Earlier this week, U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice suggested Washington wants to negotiate an end to softwood war that's gone on for more than four years.

However, observers say that won't be possible until it begins to accept trade panel rulings ordering it to reduce or eliminate tariffs.