U.S. Nearly Doubles Canadian Lumber Tariffs
The U.S. Department of Commerce today raised tariffs on imports of Canadian softwood lumber products from the rate of 8.05% to 14.54% following its annual review of existing tariffs.
Although NAHB is disappointed by this action, this decision is part of the regularly scheduled review process the United States employs to ensure adequate relief to American companies and industries impacted by unfair trade practices.
The Department of Commerce initiated its fifth administrative reviews of its softwood lumber anti-dumping and countervailing duty orders in March 2023 and announced its preliminary findings of these reviews at the beginning February 2024. On Aug. 19, the agency issued its final results on antidumping and countervailing duties averaging a combined total of 14.54%, and these higher duties are now in effect.
For years, NAHB has been leading the fight against lumber tariffs because of their detrimental effect on housing affordability. In effect, the lumber tariffs act as a tax on American builders, home buyers and consumers.
With housing affordability already near a historic low, NAHB continues to call on the Biden administration to suspend tariffs on Canadian lumber imports into the United States and to move immediately to enter into negotiations with Canada on a new softwood lumber agreement that will eliminate tariffs altogether. And we continue to work with our allies in Congress to put pressure on the administration to take action.
Latest from NAHBNow
Legal
Sep 02, 2026
HUD Clarifies Filing Deadline for Fair Housing Design and Construction Claims
The Department of Housing and Urban Development has issued new guidance clarifying that Fair Housing Act (FHA) design and construction accessibility violations are discrete acts, not continuing violations. HUD now considers these claims to arise during the design and construction process and end when construction is complete.
Workforce Development
Sep 02, 2026
Florida HBA Opens New 43,000-Square-Foot Workforce Education Center
The Northeast Florida Builders Association debuted its new 43,000-square-foot Workforce Education Center and headquarters with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Aug. 13.
Latest Economic News
Economics
Sep 02, 2026
House Price Appreciation by State and Metro Area in the Second Quarter of 2026
U.S. house prices continued to rise in the second quarter of 2026, with most states and metropolitan areas recording annual gains. Elevated borrowing costs and affordability constraints remained important headwinds, while limited housing supply continued to support prices in many markets, particularly across parts of the Midwest and Northeast.
Economics
Sep 01, 2026
Number of Open Construction Sector Positions Rising
The number of open positions in the construction sector increased in July per the Bureau of Labor Statistics Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS). The current level of open jobs is down from three years ago due to declines in construction activity, particularly in housing.
Economics
Sep 01, 2026
HBGI Q2 2026: Single-Family Construction Contracts Broadly While Multifamily Expands
Home building trends diverged across geographies in the second quarter of 2026. According to the Home Building Geography Index (HBGI), single-family construction declined in nearly all geographic categories, although the contraction eased in most markets from the first quarter.