Tag: softwood lumber
NAHB Seeks White House Action on Soaring Lumber Prices
NAHB sent a letter to President Trump expressing the housing industry’s growing concern and seeking prompt action regarding soaring lumber prices and supply shortages that are harming the housing sector and the economy.
Building Material Prices Post Record Monthly Decline in April
Prices paid for goods used in residential construction decreased 4.1% in April (not seasonally adjusted) — the largest monthly decline on record — according to the latest Producer Price Index (PPI) report released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The year-to-date decline (-5.4%) in residential construction inputs prices is more than three times larger than the previous record (-1.3% in 2009).
Lumber Duties Could be Cut by More than 50% in August
With lumber prices rising steadily since June 2019, a preliminary decision by the U.S. Department of Commerce to reduce duties by August on shipments of Canadian lumber into the United States is good news for home builders and home buyers.
NAFTA Panel Accepts NAHB Amicus Brief on Softwood Lumber Dispute
In a positive development regarding the U.S.-Canada softwood lumber trade dispute, the NAFTA Binational Panel on March 25 granted NAHB’s motion to participate as an amicus (friend) in support of Canada’s challenge of the International Trade Commission’s (ITC) countervailing and anti-dumping duties on Canadian lumber imports into the United States.
Domestic Lumber Producers Seek Revision of Current Duties
The domestic softwood lumber group that spurred the Department of Commerce to impose countervailing and anti-dumping duties averaging more than 20% on softwood lumber imports from Canada is now seeking a revision of the current duties.
New Trade Deal Could Open Door for Future Lumber Talks
The new trade deal between the U.S., Canada and Mexico that will replace the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) with the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement or USMCA has the potential to yield positive developments regarding the ongoing U.S.-Canada lumber trade dispute.
Chinese Tariffs Act as a $1 Billion Tax Hike on Housing, Could Jump to $2.5 Billion
President Trump’s decision yesterday to escalate the trade conflict with China could wind up imposing a $2.5 billion tax increase on residential construction at time when builders are already grappling with higher housing costs.
Bipartisan Group of Senators Seek Fair Resolution of Lumber Trade Dispute
In an effort spearheaded by NAHB, a dozen Republican and Democratic members of the U.S. Senate on Sept. 11 sent a joint letter to the Trump administration calling on the U.S. to resume softwood lumber trade negotiations with Canada.
NAHB to Administration: Negotiate Now
As lumber prices continue to climb to the detriment of home builders and their customers, members of the NAHB Board of Directors have an important message for Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer: Negotiate now.
A Looming $1 Billion Tax on Housing
President Trump’s plans to propose 10% tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese imports — including nearly 500 products used in residential construction — could have major ramifications for the housing industry.
