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California turns to Canadian lumber for fire recovery despite tariff issues

Posted on February 11, 2025 |

California builders will continue using Canadian lumber for wildfire rebuilding, even with a 25% tariff.

The head of the California Building Industry Association says there are no good alternatives since 80% of the state’s land is government-owned and can’t be logged.

California lacks enough mills and environmental policies to shift to local lumber quickly, and fixing this would take years.

Buying lumber from U.S. suppliers is an option, but it would be more expensive than Canadian wood.

January wildfires in Los Angeles damaged or destroyed around 19,000 homes and buildings, increasing the need for materials.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and President Donald Trump agreed to pause the 25% tariff for 30 days, avoiding immediate cost hikes.

Without the delay, Canadian softwood lumber would face nearly 40% in total tariffs, adding to the existing 14.4% duty.