With the price of lumber soaring, the Biden Administration’s new proposal to double lumber tariffs on Canadian shipments could worsen the situation.
The recently announced plan by the U.S. Commerce Department to increase the levy from 9% to 18.32% drew sharp criticism from the National Association of Home Builders. An NAHB official accused the administration of being disingenuous when it claims addressing the housing affordability crisis is an important priority.
Before last December, the tariffs were 20%. The U.S. reduced tariffs on Canadian softwood lumber imports to 9% in December. Canada is the nation's largest trading partner for softwood lumber.
Meanwhile, demand for lumber and steel continues to outpace supply. Some experts are advising builders to stockpile lumber and steel if possible, and to avoid locking in any long- or medium-term prices at current levels.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jul 14, 2020
Metal Construction Assn. releases three EPD updates
Pertain to Metal Composite Materials, Insulated Metal Panels, and Roll Formed Aluminum and Steel Cladding.
Codes and Standards | Jul 13, 2020
5 must reads for the AEC industry today: July 13, 2020
4 technologies for improving building sanitation and tech's ever-evolving impact on the multifamily space.
Codes and Standards | Jul 9, 2020
Funding opportunity for field validation of high-impact building technologies
Dept. of Energy program targets dynamic interactions with electric grid.
Codes and Standards | Jul 8, 2020
Standards for reducing risk of COVID-19 in senior living communities
AIA releases strategies and illustrations for the sector.
Codes and Standards | Jul 6, 2020
Guide presents benefits of public-private partnerships
Discusses process from project conception to construction.
Codes and Standards | Jul 1, 2020
COVID-19 public health guidelines may be downplaying building systems solutions
Emphasis on cleaning surfaces overlooks importance of mechanical infrastructure.
Codes and Standards | Jun 30, 2020
WELL building institute steps up health safety rating for hotels and resorts
Certification body forms advisory group of industry leaders and health experts.
Codes and Standards | Jun 30, 2020
7 must reads for the AEC industry today: June 30, 2020
Affordable housing comes to the Bay Area and this is not the end of cities.
Codes and Standards | Jun 29, 2020
Mandated building retrofits are necessary to meet climate crisis
Performance standards could greatly reduce GHG emissions.
Codes and Standards | Jun 29, 2020
New buildings can fall short of designed performance
Similar structures can produce different energy usage results.
