Tariff Strain Raises Lumber Prices, Slows Holmes County Construction

Trade tensions between the United States and Canada and unpredictable market conditions are creating fresh challenges for construction companies and suppliers that depend on lumber, local business owners reported on November 18, 2025. Nearly half of America s lumber imports come from Canada, and RSMeans data from Gordian shows lumber costs climbed about 12 percent this fall, leaving suppliers to contend with higher prices, tighter supplies and extended project timelines.

Trico Enterprises in Holmes County is among the businesses recalibrating operations. Owner Darryl Chajon described a strategy of tightening internal processes in response to factors beyond his control. “We can't control the tariffs. We can't control the political environment. All we can do is affect what we're doing. So, we're focused more internally,” Chajon said. He added that labor shortages and market instability are amplifying the problem. “Not only did we already have a labor shortage or difficulties with our workforce, but now with what's going on in the industry, you're seeing people more readily or they're quicker to jump to another industry,” Chajon said.

Remodelers in Columbus are feeling similar pressures. Monica Lewis, president of J.S. Brown & Co., said her firm has shifted procurement and scheduling practices to reduce risk. “We have noticed incremental increases and not a terrible amount of delay. We're pretty much getting our deliveries when we ask for them again because we're ordering early,” Lewis said. The company operates on fixed price contracts, which squeezes margins when material costs rise after a contract is signed. “We are a fixed price remodeler. So, once we go into contract, that's the price. And if our costs go up, that comes out of our profit, which is very difficult for us because we have very tight margins in our industry,” she said.

For Holmes County residents the immediate effects are practical and measurable. Home renovation projects may face longer lead times as contractors order materials earlier and hold inventory. Some firms may delay new projects to avoid locked in pricing that erodes profit. Municipal and private construction schedules could extend, adding to labor costs and creating knock on delays for related local industries.

Policy choices in Washington and Ottawa will matter because of the concentration of U.S. lumber imports from Canada. Tariff moves or quota changes can quickly alter prices and availability, raising the risk premium for small suppliers and remodelers. Over the longer term businesses that diversify sourcing, invest in local processing capacity and improve workforce retention will be better positioned to absorb shocks. For now residents should expect a period of adjustment as local firms navigate supply chain surprises and a more volatile lumber market.