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
Membership
Feb 16, 2026
NAHB Mourns the Passing of Past Chairman Dean MonDean Mon, 2020 NAHB chairman, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 15. Actively involved in the New Jersey building industry for more than 30 years, Mon was president of the D.R. Mon Group, Inc.
Codes and Standards | Advocacy
Feb 13, 2026
Kansas City Council Approves Critical Amendments to 2021 IECC for New HomesThe Kansas City Council approved amendments to the city’s energy code for new home construction after the disastrous rollout of the unamended 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) caused home building in the city to grind to a halt.
Latest Economic News
Economics
Feb 13, 2026
Inflation Eased in JanuaryInflation eased to an eight-month low in January, confirming a continued downward trend. Though most Consumer Price Index (CPI) components have resolved shutdown-related distortions from last fall, the shelter index will remain affected through April due to the imputation method used for housing costs. The shelter index is likely to show larger increases in the coming months.
Economics
Feb 12, 2026
Existing Home Sales Retreat Amid Low InventoryExisting home sales fell in January to a more than two-year low after December’s strong rebound, as tight inventory continued to push home prices higher and winter storms weighed on activity. Despite mortgage rates trending lower and wage growth outpacing price gains, limited resale supply kept many buyers on the sidelines.
Economics
Feb 12, 2026
Residential Building Worker Wages Slow in 2025 Amid Cooling Housing ActivityWage growth for residential building workers moderated notably in 2025, reflecting a broader cooling in housing activity and construction labor demand. According to the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), both nominal and real wages remained modest during the fourth quarter, signaling a shift from the rapid post-pandemic expansion to a slower-growth phase.