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
Jul 28, 2026
High-Density Building Completions Hold Highest Multifamily Market Share in 2025For the ninth consecutive year, most new multifamily units were in buildings with 50 or more units (labeled as high-density buildings) at 57%, the highest share since 2021.
Jul 27, 2026
Building A Resilient Home from the Ground Up With Climate Responsive DesignAs climate pressures intensify, builders are being asked to deliver homes that perform under more challenging conditions. The most effective place to start is at the site and planning level, where architects, engineers and builders work together.
Latest Economic News
Jul 28, 2026
How a Home Purchase Boosts Consumer SpendingThe housing market has changed greatly since the COVID-19 pandemic, along with consumer spending behaviors. During this period, housing demand surged, home prices appreciated rapidly, inflation increased, supply-chain disruptions happened, and mortgage rates moved from historic lows to elevated levels.
Jul 28, 2026
Median Lot Value Stabilizes as Regional Trends DivergeFollowing a multi-year run of record highs, the national median lot value for single-family detached spec homes largely stabilized in 2025. According to NAHB’s analysis of the Census Bureau’s Survey of Construction (SOC), the U.S. median lot value for homes started in 2025 was $59,000, compared with $60,000 a year earlier.
Jul 27, 2026
Share of Apartments Built in Buildings with 50+ Units Moves Higher in 2025Following the highest number of multifamily completions in nearly 40 years in 2024, completions declined in 2025 to 484,000, according to NAHB analysis of the Census Bureau’s Survey of Construction. For the ninth consecutive year, a majority of new multifamily units were in buildings with 50 or more units (labeled as high-density buildings) at 57%, the highest share since 2021.