NAHB Urges Building Material Exemption from Planned Tariffs Against Canada and Mexico
With President Trump announcing that he plans to impose 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican goods coming into the United States, NAHB is urging the president to exempt building materials from the proposed tariffs because of their harmful effect on housing affordability.
Tariffs on lumber and other building materials increase the cost of construction and discourage new development, and consumers end up paying for the tariffs in the form of higher home prices.
In a letter to the president, NAHB noted that on his first day in office Trump issued an executive order that seeks to increase housing supply and affordability.
“Bringing down the cost of housing will require a coordinated effort to remove obstacles to construction, be they regulatory, labor or supply-chain related,” NAHB’s letter said. “NAHB stands ready to work with you to accomplish these goals. However, we have serious concerns that proposed 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico will have the opposite effect, by slowing down the domestic residential construction industry.”
Latest from NAHBNow
IBS
Jun 19, 2026
NAHB Kicks Off IBS Webinar Series Next WeekBack this year with another great lineup, the NAHB | IBS Education Webinar series offers a valuable way to continue learning from some of the industry’s most respected educators and thought leaders throughout the year.
Digital Media
Jun 19, 2026
NAHB Members Featured Among Nation’s Top 200 BuildersThe May/June 2026 issue of Pro Builder unveiled its annual Top 200 report, which ranks the leading home builders in the United States by 2025 revenue and includes insights about the top trends affecting the industry.
Latest Economic News
Economics
Jun 18, 2026
Gains for Household Real Estate AssetsThe market value of households’ real estate assets rose to a new high in the first quarter reaching $48.7 trillion, according to the most recent release of U.S. Federal Reserve Z.1 Financial Accounts. This level is 1.7% higher than in the fourth quarter and is 2.6% higher than a year ago.
Economics
Jun 17, 2026
A Laconic Statement: Hawkish Hold and New Plans from the FedWith a new Fed Chair and plans for evolving operating strategies, the Federal Reserve maintained its target policy rate at the conclusion of the June Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting. For the fourth consecutive meeting, the FOMC maintained the short-term federal funds rate at a top rate of 3.75%.
Economics
Jun 16, 2026
Housing Starts Weaken in May as Multifamily Construction SlowsHousing starts fell sharply in May, driven by a steep drop in multifamily construction. Meanwhile, single-family buildings also slipped amid high interest rates, rising construction costs and ongoing labor shortages.