Tariffs are a hot topic right now. But the tariff on Canadian lumber being sold into the U.S. is slightly different than some of the others you’ve been hearing about. This tariff took effect last year. Mississippi’s sawmills are busier than they were this time last year.
“They were challenged and struggling,” explained David Livingston, executive director of the Mississippi Loggers Association. “They couldn’t add on a second shift at some mills because the demand wasn’t there. And the prices were so suppressed competing against the Canadian lumber coming in that there was no way for it to grow and become as strong as it once was.”
The Mississippi Loggers Association said the tariffs on Canadian lumber have made prices more competitive and increased the demand. More people are buying American lumber, and the price hit an all time high in June. “If the tariffs keep us in a position to keep Canada on an even playing field with us, then that’s where we need to stay,” added Livingston.
If you’re thinking of building a brand new home sweet home, it’s going to cost you more and the builders say that’s because of the tariffs. The National Association of Home Builders said the tariffs are adding approximately $9,000 to the cost of single family homes in the U.S.
Those added costs are being felt here in Mississippi. “We’re seeing pretty much a 20 percent to 30 percent increase in the cost of lumber on every house,” explained John Travis, Home Builders of Mississippi president. “It’s a huge impact. Obviously, we’re trying to make our homes affordable to where we get more buyers that can afford these houses. As builders, we want to sell a lot of houses. But it is making it difficult with these tariffs.”
Read more on this from MS News Now at https://www.msnewsnow.com/story/38615958/tariffs-on-canadian-lumber-creating-both-positive-and-negative-impacts-in-mississippi.