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For decades a regional cross-border trade relationship has provided a steady supply of wood, created jobs, and resulted in quality wood products and buildings through-out the state. But all that is about to change.
A 25 percent tariff on goods from Canada, including lumber, will have far reaching negative effects on Maine. Due to Maine’s proximity to the Canadian border and long-established supply chain routes, it is unlikely domestic sources will be able to feed the demand for wood from Maine’s manufacturing and building industries.
According to the market analytics firm FastMarkets, about 25 percent of the nation’s lumber supply comes from Canada. Domestic sources may take years to catch up and they will largely be in the southern U.S., not the Northeast.
Maine’s lumber mills, wood product fabricators, modular home manufacturers, lumber yards, construction, and cabinet makers will all take a hit when faced with more expensive wood sources. According to the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development, Forestry & Forest Product Industry Profile, wood product manufacturing, sawmills, and millwork make up the largest percentage of job growth in this sector. That is in jeopardy.
According to the National Association of Home Builders, housing costs, already at an all-time high for other reasons, may rise significantly, pushing home ownership further out of reach and suppressing construction jobs.
A trade policy that penalizes hard-working Mainers while alienating our prized trading partner will create only hardship all round, especially in the district Sen. Susan Collins and Rep. Jared Golden are sworn to serve.
Sarah Holland
Camden
