:: rawblogXport ::

:: Wednesday, April 07, 2004 ::

Foresters decry trade encounter By PÉRALTE C. PAUL, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Possible option: Selling off land

Even as the U.S. lumber industry lobbies for tough tariffs and import quotas, some on this side of the border have banded together to oppose any efforts at restricting imports.
 
The National Association of Home Builders and Atlanta-based Home Depot are allies in the fight against import restrictions.
 
"We could not get along without imported lumber," said Michael Carliner, an NAHB economist. "Restricting trade is a way of creating monopoly profits rather than protecting something that's going to create jobs."
 
Besides, Canadian and American lumber serve different functions, he said. Canadian wood is better suited for molding and wall construction, while lumber culled from timber in the South is the wood of choice for outdoor uses such as backyard decks and railroad ties, he said.
 
The NAHB also is arguing that import restrictions will further raise home construction costs, which could price some low- and moderate-income consumers out of buying a home.

posted 7:18 AM :: reference link :: 0 comments ::

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