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
Oct 16, 2025
NAHB Endorses Dignity Act to Modernize America’s Immigration SystemNAHB supports comprehensive immigration reform legislation recently introduced in the House by Reps. Maria Salazar (R-Fla.) and Veronica Escobar (D-Texas) that would protect the nation’s borders and preserve critical workforces.
Oct 16, 2025
Amid Market Challenges, Builder Expectations Rise in OctoberBuilder confidence in the market for newly built single-family homes was 37 in October, up five points from September and the highest reading since April, according to the NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) released today.
Latest Economic News
Oct 14, 2025
Custom Home Building Share Declines in 2024In 2024, 17.5% of all new single-family homes started were custom homes. This share decreased from 18.8% in 2023 and from 20.4% in 2022, according to data tabulated from the Census Bureau’s Survey of Construction (SOC).
Oct 13, 2025
Hispanics Comprise Nearly One-Third of the Construction Labor ForceDiversifying the construction labor force remains a key priority amid persistent skilled labor shortages. According to the 2023 American Community Survey, non-Hispanic White workers still account for the majority of the construction industry at 57%. Hispanic workers now represent nearly one-third of the labor force at 32%, followed by non-Hispanic Black workers at 5% and non-Hispanic Asian workers at 1.8%.
Oct 10, 2025
Vinyl Surpasses Stucco as Most Used Principal Exterior Wall MaterialIn 2024, vinyl siding was the most used principal exterior wall material for homes started. It holds just over a quarter share of homes, slightly surpassing stucco for the first time since 2018.