Seattle Times Highlights NAHB’s Opposition to Lumber Tariffs
The Seattle Times has published an editorial by NAHB Chairman Chuck Fowke that lays out a strong case against tariffs on Canadian lumber shipments into the United States that are fueling lumber price volatility and harming housing affordability.
Under the headline, “Tariffs on Canadian Lumber are Driving Up Home Prices,” Fowke lays out a strong case on how the Commerce Department’s recent move to double tariffs on Canadian lumber from 9% to 17.9% has effectively delivered a body blow to American home buyers, renters and businesses that rely on lumber products.
He further cites the reasons for the latest lumber price surge and provides specific actions that policymakers need to take to reduce price volatility and increase supply.
Latest from NAHBNow
Advocacy
May 14, 2026
NAHB Supports Amended Housing Bill Released by HouseNAHB Chairman Bill Owens issued the following statement on amended housing legislation released by the House.
Economics
May 14, 2026
Building Material Prices Increase at Fastest Pace in Three YearsPrices of building materials used in residential construction, excluding energy, were up 3.7% in April, the fastest pace in three years, according to the most recent Producer Price Index.
Latest Economic News
Economics
May 14, 2026
Mostly Unchanged Demand, Lending Conditions for Residential Mortgages in First QuarterLending standards and demand for most types of residential mortgages were essentially in the first quarter of 2026, according to the recent release of the Senior Loan Officer Opinion Survey (SLOOS). For commercial real estate (CRE) loans, lending standards for multifamily construction & development were essentially unchanged as well.
Economics
May 13, 2026
Residential Construction Input Prices Move Higher In AprilPrices rose across a host of goods and services used in residential construction. Rising energy prices were the primary driver, but transportation service prices also rose at their fastest pace since 2022. Meanwhile, building material prices, excluding energy, rose at their highest yearly rate in three years, up 3.7% from a year ago.
Economics
May 13, 2026
Delinquencies Holds Steady in First Quarter of 2026Consumer loan delinquency rates continued to normalize in the first quarter of 2026 as pandemic-related disruptions diminished and credit conditions moved closer to historical norms.