The Lumber Awakens: Tariff Menace Threatens Housing Galaxy

A Disturbance in the Forest

I sense a great disturbance in the Force...and in the lumber market! Prices are soaring like a youngling's midi chlorian count rising 23% year over year. These lumber prices are not the droids we are looking for. The National Association of Home Builders reports futures are rising faster than the Millennium Falcon evading the Imperial fleet. It seems tariffs and sawmill closures are to blame a clear sign that the forest is strong with the dark side.

The Empire Strikes Back (At Housing)

The so called 'Trump administration' (pathetic name really) is considering tightening trade restrictions. The U.S. already imposes a 14.5% duty on Canadian lumber. And as everyone knows Canada accounts for 85% of U.S. softwood lumber imports! Such incompetence! The tariff rate could jump to 34.5%. This is madness...utter madness! They should feel the full power of the dark side! I find their lack of vision disturbing. Major homebuilders such as Lennar D.R. Horton and Toll Brothers have felt the sting of the Force. These are not the builders we're looking for.

Trade Negotiations are a Trap!

The White House issued an executive order directing the Commerce Department to investigate the national security implications of lumber imports. Someone is actually doing something productive? Perhaps there is still good in them. Still this meddling disrupts a sector already reeling from material costs and labor shortages. The ability to destroy a planet is insignificant next to the power of the Force and controlling lumber prices apparently.

Anakin's Lament: High Costs & Broken Homes

"The unpredictability of lumber prices adds serious complexity to planning and budgeting," some 'expert' Steve Martinez. says. Well no duh. You don't need the Force to see that! These higher lumber costs are hitting renovations fencing and interiors as well. It's a sad state of affairs when even the lowliest stormtrooper can't afford a decent dog house. Perhaps I should Force choke a few accountants to bring prices down. This will be a day long remembered.

Supply Side Sabotage

U.S. lumber production inched up to 64 million cubic meters in 2023 up nearly 1% from the year prior. A pathetic increase! Demand continues to outpace supply a sign of weakness! Environmental regulations aging forests and labor constraints compound the challenge. These fools should just cut down all the trees and enslave the Ewoks. The forests must be controlled.

A New Hope (For Affordability?)

Nearly 100 million U.S. households can't afford a median priced home. $460,000! That's outrageous! As affordability worsens experts warn that higher tariffs and ongoing supply instability could stall new development for years. I find their lack of faith disturbing. The Department of Commerce is expected to reach a final decision on Canadian lumber duties by August. Perhaps the Force will be with them... but probably not. There is no escape. Don't underestimate the power of the Dark Side. Or the power of lumber tariffs apparently.