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
Awards | Leading Suppliers Council
Jan 28, 2026
Transparent Flashing from Typar Earns 2026 Spark Innovation AwardThe NAHB Leading Suppliers Council (LSC) recently announced that Typar’s Clear Acrylic Flashing is the winner of the 2026 Spark Award. The flashing is the first and only product of its kind on the market that allows the pattern on window nailing fins to be completely visible upon installation.
Housing Finance
Jan 27, 2026
FHA Extends Temporary Waiver for New Single-Family Flood Elevation RequirementsThe Federal Housing Administration (FHA) announced today the extension of a temporary waiver for new construction in Special Flood Hazard Areas as part of the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard requirements issued by the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Latest Economic News
Economics
Jan 28, 2026
Holding Pattern for the FedThe Fed paused its easing cycle at the conclusion of the January meeting of the Federal Open Market Committee, the central bank’s monetary policy body. The Fed held the short-term federal funds rate at a top rate of 3.75%, the level set in December. This marked the first policy pause since the Fed resumed easing in September of last year.
Economics
Jan 27, 2026
State-Level Employment Situation: December 2025With few exceptions, year-over-year nonfarm employment levels were relatively stable across states at the end of 2025, ranging from a decline of 4.2 percent to a gain of 1.8 percent. Construction employment, however, showed considerably greater dispersion, with declines of up to 9.3 percent in some states and gains approaching 9.0 percent in others.
Economics
Jan 26, 2026
Pool Permitting Falls Lower in 2025After a rapid expansion of residential swimming pool and spa construction following the pandemic, permit levels in the latest monthly index for December fell to their lowest level since 2020.