NLBMDA says it opposes steel tariffs
The National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association has come out in opposition to tariffs on imported steel enacted by the Trump Administration
In a statement issued by the association, it said the tariffs will increase construction costs, decreases housing affordability, and can cause an unnecessary trade war that harms consumers.
The U.S. Department of Commerce has imposed a 25% tariff on steel imported to the United States effective March 23. Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, the European Union, Mexico, and South Korea are exempt from the tariffs. But nearly one-third of steel imports are still subject to the tariffs.
“Increasing the cost of building materials simply hurts builders and ultimately consumers,” said NLBMDA chair Rick Lierz, President and CEO of Franklin Building Supply in Boise, Idaho.
The NLBMDA also said that tariffs on steel imports are just the latest challenge for the building and construction sector. Duties between 10% and 24% remain in effect for Canadian softwood lumber and a lack of skilled workers has made it harder to finish some construction projects, the association said.
Earlier this month, both the American Institute of Architects and the National Association of Home Builders said they are in opposition of steel tariffs.
In a statement issued by the association, it said the tariffs will increase construction costs, decreases housing affordability, and can cause an unnecessary trade war that harms consumers.
The U.S. Department of Commerce has imposed a 25% tariff on steel imported to the United States effective March 23. Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, the European Union, Mexico, and South Korea are exempt from the tariffs. But nearly one-third of steel imports are still subject to the tariffs.
“Increasing the cost of building materials simply hurts builders and ultimately consumers,” said NLBMDA chair Rick Lierz, President and CEO of Franklin Building Supply in Boise, Idaho.
The NLBMDA also said that tariffs on steel imports are just the latest challenge for the building and construction sector. Duties between 10% and 24% remain in effect for Canadian softwood lumber and a lack of skilled workers has made it harder to finish some construction projects, the association said.
Earlier this month, both the American Institute of Architects and the National Association of Home Builders said they are in opposition of steel tariffs.