Trump’s Timber Tariffs: A Move that will Backfire Down the Supply Chains
trade-wars
New tariffs on softwood lumber and wood products aimed at Canada are likely to raise US lumber prices 15-20% and worsen housing affordability rather than help domestic producers.
The new tariffs — 10% on softwood lumber, 25% on wooden products — target Canadian competition in the name of protecting US manufacturers, but the piece estimates they will raise domestic lumber prices by 15-20%, feeding through into construction and furniture costs and worsening housing affordability. Canada is expected to retaliate, and the broader pattern is one where a measure sold as pro-jobs ends up taxing US consumers and straining a close trading relationship.
Originally published on Substack, October 1, 2025.