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
AEC Tech | Jul 15, 2019
Lack of standards hampers development of exoskeleton industry
Guidelines, common terminology, and testing methodology are needed, says expert.
Concrete | Jul 8, 2019
Concrete repair code requirements released
American Concrete Institute offers guidance on assessment, repair, rehab of existing concrete structures.
K-12 Schools | Jul 8, 2019
Collaborative for High Performance Schools releases 2019 Core Criteria Version 3.0 Update
The update adds credits to lower carbon footprints and to promote climate change resiliency.
Wood | Jul 8, 2019
Campaign launched to promote ‘climate-smart wood’
The Forest Stewardship Council and other groups aim to help buyers understand and make it easier to locate lumber that meets sustainable forestry standards.
Urban Planning | Jul 8, 2019
U.S. cities experience ‘Doppler shift’ in walkable urban development
The walkability trend is spreading to urbanizing suburbs.
Codes and Standards | Jun 27, 2019
Construction workers need continuous skills upgrades
A report by Autodesk and Deloitte focuses on how workers can succeed in an automated world.
Codes and Standards | Jun 27, 2019
Updated standard for liquid applied flashing for exterior wall openings released
AAMA document establishes minimum performance requirements.
Codes and Standards | Jun 27, 2019
Public restrooms being used for changing clothes, phone conversations, and 'getting away'
About 60% of Americans use a public restroom one to five times a week, according to the latest annual hand washing survey conducted by Bradley Corporation.
Codes and Standards | Jun 21, 2019
Green Globes 2019 accepted as a revised American National Standard
Advances include language on resilience, life cycle cost analysis, moisture control analysis, health, and effectiveness.
Codes and Standards | Jun 14, 2019
Reports from Intl. Code Council focus on expanding use of shipping containers as building materials
Three companies show compliance for using containers for housing.
