NAHB wants help in combatting lumber tariffs
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) wants help in battling the latest lumber tariff moves.
On Nov. 24, the Commerce Department moved forward with its next administrative review to double the tariffs on Canadian lumber shipments into the U.S. from 9% to 18%.
The NAHB, along with the National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association (NLBMDA), have strongly opposed the Commerce Department’s plan.
According to the NAHB, lumber tariff increases will exacerbate market volatility, put upward pressure on lumber prices, and make housing more expensive.
In response to the Commerce action, NAHB Chairman Chuck Fowke issued the following statement:
“With the nation in the midst of a housing affordability crisis, the Biden administration has moved to slap a huge, unwanted tax hike on American home buyers and renters by doubling the tariffs on Canadian lumber shipments into the U.S.," said NAHB Chairman Chuck Fowke. This is the worst time to add needless housing costs onto the backs of hardworking American families."
Fowke noted that home builders are grappling with lumber and other building material supply chain bottlenecks that are raising construction costs. At the same time, consumers are dealing with rising inflation that is pushing mortgage interest rates higher.
Now the NAHB wants to get Congress involved. The association is urging members to write or call Congress and tell President Biden to negotiate an updated softwood lumber agreement with Canada.
Additionally, the NAHB wants to see an increase in U.S. lumber production by harvesting more timber from domestic forest lands.
Members of Congress can be contacted here regarding the softwood lumber agreement and the latest tariffs.
“This decision undermines the historic funding commitment made to housing in the Build Back Better legislation and erodes efforts by Commerce Secretary Raimondo and other Biden administration officials to tackle the lumber and building materials supply issues plaguing the industry," Fowke said. "Doubling the tariffs will only exacerbate market volatility, put upward pressure on lumber prices and make housing more expensive."
