Industry News Policies
NAHB chairman releases statement on softwood dispute

April 21, 2017 - Granger MacDonald, chairman of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and a home builder and developer from Kerrville, Texas, issued the following statement on Friday regarding reports that Canada is looking at China to boost lumber exports as an alternative to the U.S.

"The fact that Canada is seeking alternative sources to the U.S. for its lumber exports should serve as a wake-up call to Washington policymakers. More than one-third of the lumber used in the U.S. last year came from exports because the U.S. does not produce enough lumber to meet the nation's needs. Home builders need a consistent, reasonably priced supply of lumber to keep housing affordable for hard-working American families.

"Policymakers have a number of options at their disposal to make up for the current domestic shortfall. These include increasing domestic harvests, boosting exports from other nations and limiting U.S. exports. Moreover, it would be in the best interests of the U.S. and Canada to achieve a long-term solution to the ongoing trade dispute that ensures U.S. lumber consumers have access to a stable supply of lumber at competitive prices."

April 21, 2017  By National Association of Home Builders