NLBMDA Submits Letter to White House to Address Rising Lumber Prices

The association is urging the administration to boost the confidence for domestic producers and renegotiate a new Softwood Lumber Agreement.

The National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association (NLBMDA) wrote a letter to president Donald Trump seeking assistance addressing soaring lumber prices. In its letter, the NLBMDA said lumber prices and the rate of increase, particularly since mid-April, are not sustainable.

The NLBMDA said the 80% increase in lumber prices since April have had a dramatic effect on the LBM industry, residential construction, and the larger economy. While acknowledging that the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has played a role in the price increases, the association requested the Trump administration take steps to alleviate problems related to high lumber prices. Jonathan Paine, the CEO and president of the NLBMDA, said the administration can play a “vital role” in boosting confidence for domestic producers and ensure state and local action does not interfere with lumber production.