Administration Delays Canadian Tariffs by 30 Days

ABMA Continues Push for Exemption to Protect Affordability

The American Building Materials Alliance (ABMA) has been informed by Capitol staff familiar with the situation that the administration will delay the implementation of the new tariffs on Canadian goods by 30 days.

While this delay provides temporary relief, ABMA continues to urge the administration to grant a full exemption for Canadian SPF (spruce-pine-fir) lumber, a critical material for the construction sector. The proposed tariff increase, originally set to take effect on February 4, 2025, would have raised the total tariff on Canadian lumber to 40% and contributed to significant cost increases for builders and consumers alike.

ABMA Director of Government Affairs Francis Palasieski issued the following statement:

“We appreciate the administration taking the time to further review these tariffs, as affordability remains a top concern for the LBM industry. While this delay is a positive step, we will continue advocating for a full exemption to prevent unnecessary cost increases that could impact retailers, builders, and homeowners. ABMA looks forward to working with policymakers to find a balanced solution that supports both economic growth and industry stability.”

ABMA has been actively advocating for an exemption from the tariffs through direct outreach to the White House, engagement with lawmakers along the U.S.-Canada border, and participation in industry roundtables. Over the weekend, ABMA led discussions with members of Congress, conducted interviews with national and regional media, and coordinated a widespread effort to share the industry’s concerns with decision-makers.

With the 30-day delay in place, ABMA urges the LBM industry to continue voicing their concerns to elected officials. The alliance remains committed to ensuring trade policies support both the domestic LBM industry and the broader construction sector.

About ABMA

ABMA advocates on behalf of the lumber and building materials (LBM) industry. ABMA represents LBM dealers and associated businesses in Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington, D.C. We work directly with members of Congress, the White House, and federal agencies to impact the legislative and regulatory process as it affects the LBM industry. ABMA is powered by the Northeastern Retail Lumber Association (NRLA) and Construction Suppliers Association (CSA).

Contact:

Francis Palasieski – Director of Government Affairs – fpalasieski@abmalliance.org – (518) 880-6376

Source: ABMA