Seattle Times Highlights NAHB’s Opposition to Lumber Tariffs

Housing Affordability
Published

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.

View the full editorial.

Subscribe to NAHBNow

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

Log in to subscribe

Latest from NAHBNow

Sustainability and Green Building
Aug 28, 2026
NGBS: An Alternative Energy Code Compliance Option

As energy efficiency mandates are becoming more difficult and costly to meet, the National Green Building Standard (NGBS) is emerging as an attractive alternative. Alternative code compliance options - like NGBS Green - are beneficial to local jurisdictions and builders alike, as they provide compliance flexibility without compromising energy performance, and can streamline permitting processes and timelines.

Membership Recruitment and Retention
Aug 27, 2026
Fall Recruitment Competition Set to Begin Sept. 1

Builder and Associate members will work to recruit as many new members as they can by Nov. 30. Winners can earn prizes including LG laundry products and 2027 International Builders' Show perks.

View all

Latest Economic News

Economics
Aug 28, 2026
Multifamily Absorption Rate Remains Below 50%

The percentage of new apartment units that were absorbed within three months after completion was down five percentage points in the first quarter, according to the Census Bureau’s latest release of the Survey of Market Absorption of New Multifamily Units (SOMA).

Economics
Aug 27, 2026
Small Decline for Single-Family Home Size

New single-family home size had been falling since 2015 in response to declining affordability conditions. An exception occurred in 2021, when new home size increased as interest rates reached historic lows.

Economics
Aug 26, 2026
PCE Inflation Remains Sticky

The latest report shows the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge remains sticky in July, complicating the Fed’s path to its long-term 2% target. Meanwhile, consumer spending remains resilient but is showing signs of slowing, with real consumer spending unchanged in July. Households are pulling back on spending amid persistent inflation.