#United States #Washington #U.S. Lumber Coalition #Softwood Lumber #Governor Healey

U.S. Lumber Coalition's Stand Against Misinformation

On November 20, 2025, the U.S. Lumber Coalition responded to statements made by Massachusetts Governor Healey regarding the impact of tariffs and duties on Canadian lumber imports. The governor's comments, which echoed claims from Canada and the National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB), suggested that these tariffs are to blame for rising housing costs. However, the Coalition emphasizes that such assertions are misleading and not supported by available data.

Clarification of Facts

Zoltan van Heyningen, Executive Director of the Coalition, was quick to address the inaccuracies, stressing the importance of understanding the facts surrounding the softwood lumber industry. According to him, softwood lumber prices have actually decreased since the imposition of increased duties and tariffs. He explained that market dynamics of supply and demand ultimately dictate lumber prices, not the enforcement of trade laws.

Governor Healey's remarks could undermine the interests of U.S. workers and companies, many of whom rely on fair competition in the lumber market. The U.S. Lumber Coalition, which represents a significant portion of the softwood lumber industry, pointed out that American producers provide over 75% of the lumber needed to construct homes in the U.S. and have increased their production capacity significantly since the introduction of tariffs.

Economic Implications

Van Heyningen highlighted that since 2016, the capacity for U.S. lumber production has risen by more than 8 billion board feet, underscoring the industry's health and growth. He noted that the duties and tariffs imposed are predominantly borne by Canadian softwood lumber companies, not by U.S. consumers. In fact, wood costs account for less than 2% of the total expense of a new home, indicating that lumber pricing alone is not a significant factor in housing affordability, contrary to what was suggested by the Governor.

In addition to economic data, the Coalition advocates for the jobs supported by the lumber sector. The industry currently underpins an estimated 750,000 jobs across the U.S., many concentrated in rural communities where job additions are crucial for economic vitality.

An Open Call to Action

In light of these concerns, the U.S. Lumber Coalition calls upon Governor Healey and other leaders to support U.S. trade law enforcement rather than siding with foreign interests benefiting from Canada's lumber subsidies. The Coalition asserts that such measures are vital for sustaining American jobs and ensuring a reliable domestic supply of lumber, ultimately aimed at empowering U.S. workers and industries.

The Coalition urges all stakeholders, including the NAHB and government officials, to reevaluate their positions based on factual evidence regarding the impact of tariffs. Recognizing the economic importance of the domestic lumber industry is crucial not just for maintaining jobs, but also for ensuring that American homes can be built efficiently and affordably.

Conclusion

The U.S. Lumber Coalition stands firm in its commitment to defending the interests of U.S. workers and producers. As the dialogue around tariffs and trade continues, it is imperative to keep these facts at the forefront to foster fair trade practices and support the lumber industry, which plays a pivotal role in the country’s economic landscape. For further details on the Coalition's stance and ongoing efforts, please visit their website at www.uslumbercoalition.org.