U.S. Nearly Doubles Canadian Lumber Tariffs

Material Costs
Published

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.

Subscribe to NAHBNow

Log in or create account to subscribe to notifications of new posts.

Log in to subscribe

Latest from NAHBNow

Sponsored Content

Apr 18, 2025

Empowering New Home Buyers and Builders with Data and Exposure

Homebuyers are increasingly relying on a research-driven approach to their new home buying experience. Homes.com is meeting that need with its new home marketplace.

US Economy | Material Costs

Apr 17, 2025

Trade War Will Create Further Economic and Financial Market Stress

NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz provided this economic and housing industry overview in the bi-weekly newsletter Eye On the Economy.

View all

Latest Economic News

Economics

Apr 17, 2025

Housing Starts Decline Amid Economic Uncertainty

Constrained housing affordability conditions due to elevated interest rates, rising construction costs and labor shortages led to a reduction in housing production in March.

Economics

Apr 16, 2025

Builder Confidence Levels Indicate Slow Start for Spring Housing Season

Growing economic uncertainty stemming from tariff concerns and elevated building material costs kept builder sentiment in negative territory in April, despite a modest bump in confidence likely due to a slight retreat in mortgage interest rates in recent weeks.

Economics

Apr 14, 2025

Where Do Builders and Remodelers Buy Building Products?

The most common sources for products used in home building and remodeling are specialty retailers, lumber yards, and wholesale distributors, according to two recent NAHB surveys. The surveys include one of single-family homebuilders in the October 2024 NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) and one of remodelers in the Q3 2024 NAHB/Westlake Royal Remodeling Market Index (RMI). Both surveys asked respondents where they purchase building products, regardless of who ultimately purchases them (themselves or subcontractors).