Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, during a recent Congressional hearing, stated the simple facts regarding softwood lumber prices: prices are at historical lows and are driven by supply and demand factors… they not driven by President Trump’s implementing additional tariff measures. …”It is unfortunate that the misleading campaign by the NAHB and Canada attacking President Trump’s enforcement and tariff measures, which are designed to help the US become self-sufficient in its lumber needs, continues to be echoed by others,” added van Heyningen. …The cost of lumber makes up less than 2% of the total cost of a new home, and hence never has and never will be a factor in housing affordability. …Canadian softwood lumber companies pay virtually all of the duties and tariffs, not U.S. consumers. …(note: approximately 93% of duty deposits paid through 2023, i.e., $5.8 billion, is slated to be liquidated into the US Treasury.)