Trump Tariffs Hammer U.S. Lumber Wholesaler
A U.S. lumber wholesaler is feeling the squeeze from Trump tariffs on Canadian softwood imports, making it difficult for him to plan his business.
Martin Wiegand's family lumber business has relied on Canadian Western red cedar for years, with over half of his deals involving Canadian softwood. He describes it as a 'beautiful' and 'rot-resistant' wood ideal for exterior architectural products.
The 10% tariff imposed by President Donald Trump under Section 232 of the U.S. Trade Expansion Act of 1962 has increased the price of a truckload of Canadian lumber, making a 2x4 plank cost around US$16, up from US$9.50 before the tariffs.
Wiegand urges Trump to 'Stop this. Stop. Stop the tariffs,' calling them 'inappropriate and unproductive' that are not creating American jobs or helping the economy.