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 | Oct 24, 2016
Fall hazards, hazard communication lead 2016 OSHA top violations
The 2016 list bears a strong resemblance to the 2015 list.
Codes and Standards | Oct 21, 2016
Green Bond Guidelines for the Real Estate Sector updated
The market growth is a signal of future opportunities.
Codes and Standards | Oct 20, 2016
What top-ranked energy efficiency states are doing right on codes, utility mandates
Calif., and Mass., use aggressive targets to lead nation.
Codes and Standards | Oct 20, 2016
New cross-laminated timber fire tests back proponents of high-rise wood structures
'Demonstrating for the first time the feasibility of tall mass timber buildings in the U.S.’
Codes and Standards | Oct 14, 2016
ASCE issues first tsunami-safe building standards
The new standards will become part of international building code.
Codes and Standards | Oct 12, 2016
Making concrete greener
The high energy-consuming material can be made more sustainably.
Codes and Standards | Oct 11, 2016
Historic preservation moving beyond saving grand old buildings
National Trust for Historic Preservation CEO says the focus is on saving cities, not just buildings
Codes and Standards | Oct 10, 2016
Los Angeles voters will decide whether high-density developments should be harder to build
A March vote on the Neighborhood Integrity Initiative would put 2-year ban on zoning changes
Codes and Standards | Oct 10, 2016
New sustainable landscape development and management credential launched
GBCI offered the first testing opportunity Oct. 3 at Greenbuild
Codes and Standards | Oct 6, 2016
Obama administration will spend $80 million for smart cities initiatives
The technology is targeted for climate, transportation, resiliency.
