Sens. Shaheen, Moran Send Strong Message to Commerce Secretary Opposing Lumber Tariffs

Sens. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) and Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), the chairman and ranking member, respectively, of the Senate Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies, recently sent a letter to Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo opposing the Commerce action to double tariffs on Canadian lumber shipments into the U.S. from 9% to 18%.

“With the nation in the midst of a housing affordability crisis, this is exactly the wrong time to add needless housing costs onto the backs of hardworking American families,” the lawmakers said in the joint letter.

NAHB continues to urge the Biden administration to suspend tariffs on Canadian lumber and move immediately to engage with Canada on a long-term trade agreement that will ensure a stable supply of lumber to U.S. consumers at reasonable prices. We are also calling on members of Congress to urge the administration to take immediate action in this area.

The two senators stressed that historically high lumber and building material prices continue to serve as headwinds to the U.S. housing sector, and while housing has been a bright spot for the U.S. economy, “there is mounting evidence the dramatic increase in the cost of materials is unfortunately putting this success at risk.”

Shaheen and Moran called on Raimondo to return to the negotiating table and pursue a balanced trade agreement with Canada that will “provide predictability for lumber producers and home builders so they can continue to help the economy recover from the events of the past year.”

Read the letter to Sec. Raimondo