This past week has been a high-impact one for the American Building Materials Alliance (ABMA) as we continue to drive the conversation on tariffs, tax policy, and industry regulations at both the legislative and media levels.

Tariff Delay: A Temporary Reprieve

On Saturday night, the President signed the now-delayed tariffs on Canadian lumber, sparking immediate industry concern. That same evening, ABMA was contacted by ABC News Washington, where we supplied the following statement:

“ABMA remains committed to policies that promote affordability in construction, and we believe an exemption for lumber from these tariffs is necessary to prevent rising costs. With building expenses already a major concern, a lumber exemption would help keep construction more accessible while supporting American businesses. We look forward to working with the administration to find solutions that balance affordability and industry competitiveness.”

While the delay provides a short-term reprieve, ABMA remains actively engaged in ensuring that any long-term trade policies do not disrupt affordability in construction.

ABMA in the News: A Nationwide Media Impact

ABMA’s advocacy efforts on tariffs and industry policy have been widely covered, with our position featured in more than a dozen publications across multiple states. Just a few examples include:

• How New Tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China Could Raise Prices – Middletown Press
• Vermont Businesses Voice Concerns Over Tariffs – Burlington Free Press
• ABMA Calls on White House to Exempt Canadian Lumber from New Tariffs – State Affairs
• Vermont Lumber Industry Petitions White House for Tariff Exemption – Rutland Herald
• Industry Reactions: Strong Views on Lumber Tariffs – HBS Dealer

Additionally, Boston Globe veteran reporter Catherine Carlock conducted an interview with ABMA this week led by NRLA President Rita Ferris, who assembled a group of industry experts to provide insights into how these tariffs will impact the LBM sector. The discussion included:

• ABMA Chair Rod Wiles, Hammond Lumber Company
• Tony Shepley, President Shepley Wood Products
• Paul Rodgers, Purchasing Manager Shepley Wood Products

This engagement ensures that our industry’s concerns are being communicated at the highest levels.

ABMA Meets with Lawmakers Following White House Call & Business Roundtable

Following ABMA’s call with the White House last week, we met with key lawmakers to reinforce our industry’s concerns and advocate for pro-business policies. Additionally, ABMA’s Jeremy Baker attended a business roundtable at Rep. Becca Balint’s office, where he joined Vermont business leaders to discuss the impact of the tariffs.

This week, ABMA also:

• Met with Sen. Susan Collins’ office to discuss Main Street tax priorities, including preserving key deductions that support small and family-owned businesses.
• Engaged with Ways and Means Committee Member Rep. Claudia Tenney’s office to discuss the tariff delay and its long-term implications for the LBM industry.

These discussions are part of ABMA’s ongoing commitment to ensuring policies reflect the needs of our industry and protect affordability.

Expert Insight: Karen Handel on Tariff Increases

CSA President and ABMA Committee Vice-Chair Karen Handel, a former member of Congress, provided key insights into the tariff issue, emphasizing that the existing 15% tariff on Canadian lumber is set to rise to 30% before any new tariffs are even considered. Her experience in federal policy offers a critical perspective on the broader economic and political challenges facing the LBM industry. ABMA will continue working with policymakers to address these escalating trade barriers and their potential consequences for affordability and supply chains.

ABMA Joins Industry Effort Calling for CTA Delay

This week, ABMA joined 120 trade associations in signing a letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, urging the administration to delay the implementation of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) until at least the end of the year. The CTA’s complex reporting requirements and ongoing legal challenges have created significant uncertainty for small businesses, including those in the LBM industry.

Despite public awareness efforts, less than 30% of required filings had been submitted by the December 2024 deadline, leaving millions of business owners at risk of noncompliance and severe penalties, including felony charges. The legal landscape remains volatile, with multiple court cases challenging the CTA’s constitutionality and ongoing injunctions impacting enforcement.

ABMA believes that compliance should not come at the expense of small business owners who are already navigating an unpredictable regulatory environment. Delaying the CTA would allow time for the courts to determine its legality and provide businesses with much-needed clarity.

In addition to supporting a delay, ABMA is monitoring legislative efforts such as Rep. Warren Davidson’s (R-OH) bill, H.R. 425, which seeks to repeal the CTA altogether. We will continue working with industry partners and policymakers to ensure that LBM businesses are not burdened by unnecessary and unclear regulatory mandates.

ICYMI: ABMA’s Comments on OSHA’s Heat & Illness Rule Now Published

ABMA’s official comments on OSHA’s proposed Heat Injury and Illness Prevention Standard have now been published, reinforcing our industry’s concerns over practical implementation. Additionally, ABMA Chair Rod Wiles submitted his own comments, further strengthening our collective position.

Moving Forward

ABMA continues to push for pro-business policies that strengthen the LBM industry and protect affordability. With Washington, D.C. Advocacy Day on April 7-8, we are ensuring that our industry’s voice is front and center in shaping the policies that impact our future.

Stay tuned for more updates, and join us in Washington to be part of the solution.