Wisconsin Homebuilding: Tariffs, Lumber, and Workforce

19/03/2025 10 min Temporada 1 Episodio 3
Wisconsin Homebuilding: Tariffs, Lumber, and Workforce

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Episode Synopsis

Rising tariffs, particularly on Canadian lumber, are significantly increasing construction material costs for Wisconsin homebuilders. These tariffs, coupled with existing duties, are projected to add thousands of dollars to the price of a new home. While executive orders aim to boost domestic lumber production, current capacity limitations mean that restricting Canadian imports in the short term will likely hinder housing affordability. Furthermore, the construction industry relies heavily on immigrant labor, and potential mass deportations could exacerbate existing worker shortages, further driving up costs and slowing down building. The National Association of Home Builders advocates for immigration reform and efforts to increase domestic lumber supply to mitigate these negative impacts on the housing market.