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
IBS
Feb 18, 2026
Massachusetts Builder Elected Second Vice Chairman of NAHBGary Campbell, a Lowell, Mass.-based real estate developer and remodeler with more than 30 years of experience in the construction field, today was elected 2026 second vice chairman of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) during the association’s International Builders’ Show in Orlando.
IBS
Feb 18, 2026
Colorado Builder and Remodeler Elected First Vice Chairman of NAHBBob Peterson, a Fort Collins, Colo.-based home builder and remodeler with more than 40 years of experience in the construction field, today was elected 2026 first vice chairman of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) during the association’s International Builders’ Show in Orlando.
Latest Economic News
Economics
Feb 18, 2026
Overall Housing Starts Inch Lower in 2025Despite a strong finish in December, single-family home building dipped in 2025 as persistent affordability challenges continued to weigh on the market.
Economics
Feb 18, 2026
How Housing Affordability Conditions Vary Across States and Metro AreasThe NAHB 2026 priced-out estimates show that the housing affordability challenge is widespread across the country. In 39 states and the District of Columbia, over 65% of households are priced out of the median-priced new home market. This indicates a significant disconnect between higher new home prices, elevated mortgage rates, and household incomes.
Economics
Feb 17, 2026
Builder Sentiment Edges Lower on Affordability ConcernsBuilder confidence in the market for newly built single-family homes fell one point to 36 in February, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI).