Canadian Lumber Duties Soar Past 25% — What This Means for Homebuyers and Builders in Dane County

The U.S. Commerce Department has increased tariffs on Canadian lumber imports, raising anti-dumping duties from 7.66% to 20.56%, bringing the total cost to over 27% once countervailing duties are added. With more increases expected, this news is sending ripples through the homebuilding industry — and through the budgets of prospective homebuyers in Dane County.

What Are Lumber Tariffs and Why Do They Matter?

Tariffs are government-imposed taxes on imported goods. Softwood lumber from Canada is widely used in U.S. home construction, so increased costs directly affect new builds, renovations, and the resale home market.

Local Impact in Madison, Waunakee, Sun Prairie & Beyond

• Higher Construction Costs: Builders are adjusting their quotes as material prices rise.
• More Expensive New Homes: Affordability shrinks, especially for first-time buyers.
• Costlier Renovations: Projects like decks, additions, and remodels are seeing sharp increases.

How It Affects Veterans & Community Heroes

As a veteran-owned business, Integrity Homes is passionate about serving those who serve. Our Reward Our Heroes program helps military families, first responders, teachers, and healthcare professionals save money — even during market shifts like this.

What You Can Do Right Now

• Get pre-approved before costs climb further.
• Work with a builder who manages supply chains proactively.
• Ask about special programs like Reward Our Heroes to help offset rising costs.

FAQs

How much did the Canadian lumber tariff increase?

The anti-dumping duty increased from 7.66% to 20.56%, with total duties expected to surpass 34% by August 2025.

Will home prices go up in Dane County?

Yes. Increased building material costs often lead to higher new home prices and can affect the resale market due to limited supply.

What is the Reward Our Heroes program?

Reward Our Heroes is a savings program for military, law enforcement, healthcare workers, firefighters, and teachers, helping them save when buying or selling a home.

Is it still a good time to buy or build?

Yes — but the key is to act early and work with a local expert who can help you navigate rising costs and access special programs.