There’s been buzz in the Montana construction world lately—and not the good kind. A new proposal to reinstate U.S. tariffs on Canadian softwood lumber is stirring concern for builders across the state. At Compass Construction, we’re watching this development closely—because even slight policy changes can have a ripple effect across our industry, especially when it comes to cost and timelines.
So, what’s going on?
The U.S. Department of Commerce is considering raising tariffs on Canadian lumber imports, which would drive up prices on framing materials and other wood-based products. This isn’t a new issue—it’s part of a long-standing trade dispute—but the potential reimplementation comes at a particularly sensitive time for builders and developers alike.
Why it matters:
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Lumber costs directly affect project budgets.
From single-family homes to commercial builds, wood is foundational. Tariff-driven price hikes could force developers and contractors to rethink scopes, increase contingencies, or delay start dates—none of which benefit clients or communities. -
Montana’s proximity to Canada makes us uniquely vulnerable.
We rely heavily on cross-border supply chains, especially for high-quality softwood. If Canadian imports become cost-prohibitive, we’ll likely face local shortages and more expensive alternatives. -
It could slow down momentum in key growth regions.
Cities like Bozeman, Kalispell, and Missoula are experiencing unprecedented demand for residential and mixed-use development. Rising material costs could put the brakes on progress at a time when housing availability is already a challenge.
How we’re responding:
At Compass Construction, we’re proactive about adapting. While we can’t control national trade policy, we can plan ahead—sourcing smart, managing costs tightly, and communicating transparently with clients about what’s shifting and why.
This isn’t our first industry curveball—and it won’t be the last. But we’re committed to leading with clarity, precision, and no-nonsense project management that keeps our builds on track and our standards high.
We’ll be monitoring the situation as it unfolds and will continue updating our partners, clients, and community. Because building bold means being ready for anything.
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Source: KULR8 – “Montana Builders Face Challenges with Potential Lumber Tariffs”
https://www.kulr8.com/missoula/montana-builders-face-challenges-with-potential-lumber-tariffs/article_bc0d4842-78ee-59e1-9770-73a9b805bc2a.html
