NLBMDA asks Trump for help with rising lumber prices

Soaring lumber prices has prompted the National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association (NLBMDA) to seek assistance from President Donald Trump.

The NLBMDA is urging Trump to address the critical issue and sent a letter to the White House on Aug. 26. According to the NLBMDA, steps must be taken to alleviate the problem for both dealers and the residential construction industry.

In the letter, NLBMDA identifies the 80% increase in lumber prices and while the COVID-19 pandemic played a role, these prices and the rate of increase is not sustainable. 

The NLBMDA is urging the administration to work with domestic producers to ensure production is at capacity to meet demand, along with an emphasis on negotiating a renewed Softwood Lumber Agreement (SLA) with Canada. 

Earlier this week, the World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute-resolution panel ruled that against the United States regarding countervailing duties imposed on Canadian softwood exports. 

Although the WTO’s decision is non-binding, the panel has requested that the U.S. Department of Commerce reevaluate its duties imposed on Canadian softwood lumber in a manner that aligns with WTO trade agreement obligations.

The NLBMDA said that it recognizes that softwood lumber pricing and availability are critical and will continue to pressure the federal government to do its part to provide relief for America’s lumber and building material dealers.

Earlier this month, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) also took steps to finding a solution to the staggering rise of lumber prices. Additionally, the NAHB sent its own letter to the White House on Aug. 7.

Since, the NAHB reported that lumber prices reaching record levels are causing home building costs to spike.