Montana Builders Face Challenges with Potential Lumber Tariffs

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The federal government's consideration of a lumber tariff could have significant effects on Montana's construction industry.

Andy Shirtliff, Executive Director of the Montana Building Industry Association, explained the potential challenges. "Currently with the tariffs, it's going to really hurt those wood import or lumber imports from other areas such as like Canada and with our sawmills and lumber mills closing down across the state that makes it even more difficult to get supply... And so, with that increases the price of that supply as well as the price of the home that they're looking to build," said Shirtliff.

 Shirtliff emphasized the importance of supply chains and materials, noting that as the demand for lumber increases, so could home prices. He added that access to supplies like lumber is essential for maintaining affordable construction costs.

Despite these concerns, Sean Steinebach, Sun Mountain Lumber Outreach Forester, expressed confidence in the local industry. "I don't feel that we need Canadian lumber. We have the capacity. We have the need. We have the sawmills, and we have the forests," Steinebach stated.

Shirtliff also highlighted workforce shortages as another concern. He noted that uncertainty regarding lumber supplies adds another layer of difficulty and cost to home building.

The potential tariff and its implications are a topic of ongoing discussion among Montana's construction professionals.

Courtesy: www.montanarightnow.com