NAHB Condemns Commerce Action to Double Tariffs on Canadian Lumber

Material Costs
Published

In a blow to housing affordability and a move strongly opposed by NAHB, the Commerce Department today moved forward today with its next administrative review to double the tariffs on Canadian lumber shipments into the U.S. from 9% to 17.9%.

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. This is the worst time to add needless housing costs onto the backs of hardworking American families. Home builders are grappling with lumber and other building material supply chain bottlenecks that are raising construction costs. And consumers are dealing with rising inflation that is pushing mortgage interest rates higher.”

“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. Doubling the tariffs will only exacerbate market volatility, put upward pressure on lumber prices and make housing more expensive. Rather than placating China and Europe with sweetheart trade deals, the White House needs to change course and move immediately to engage with our Canadian partners on a long-term solution to the trade dispute that will end tariffs and help restore price stability to the lumber market.”

Subscribe to NAHBNow

Log in or create account to subscribe to notifications of new posts.

Log in to subscribe

Latest from NAHBNow

Safety

Jul 01, 2025

Use NAHB Resources to Protect Workers from Heat and UV Exposure

As NAHB celebrates UV Safety Awareness Month in July, it is important for home builders and general contractors to educate workers about the potential risks associated with UV radiation, and have plans and resources in place to keep them safe on the jobsite.

Advocacy

Jul 01, 2025

Senate Passes Tax Bill With Many Wins for NAHB Members

The Senate today passed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1) — sweeping tax and domestic policy legislation that includes several important housing and business provisions that will benefit small businesses, real estate and our members. Most notably, NAHB was able to secure key wins regarding state and local tax deductions for individuals and pass-through businesses.

View all

Latest Economic News

Economics

Jul 01, 2025

May Private Residential Construction Spending Dips

Private residential construction spending fell by 0.5% in May, marking the fifth straight month of decreases. This drop was primarily driven by reduced spending on single-family construction. Compared to a year ago, total spending was down 6.7%, as the housing sector continues to navigate the economic uncertainty stemming from ongoing tariff concerns and elevated mortgage rates.

Economics

Jul 01, 2025

Flat Job Openings for Construction

The count of open, unfilled positions in the construction industry held steady amid a slowdown for housing, per the May Bureau of Labor Statistics Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS).

Economics

Jun 30, 2025

2024 New Single-Family Starts by Census Division

Despite persistently high mortgage rates, elevated financing costs for builders, and a shortage of buildable lots, single-family starts rebounded in 2024, following two straight years of declines.