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30-day reprieve has been granted to the construction industry, sparing it from a potential price hike in materials. The Trump administration's decision to delay tariffs on Canadian and Mexican goods for at least a month has given home builders a temporary sigh of relief.

    The proposed 25% tariffs, set to take effect on February 4, were put on hold after Canada and Mexico agreed to send troops to the US-Mexico border in an effort to curb drug smuggling and immigration. This development has avoided a significant increase in costs for materials such as lumber, cabinets, and furniture.

    The reprieve comes at a critical time, as the US is already facing a housing shortage. Canadian lumber, in particular, is a crucial component of home construction, and its availability will be closely watched in the coming weeks.

    The National Association of Home Builders had expressed "serious concerns" about the potential impact of tariffs on building materials, citing increased costs and supply chain disruptions. The organization's chairman, Carl Harris, warned that further tariffs could hinder rebuilding efforts in areas affected by natural disasters.

    While this temporary reprieve is welcome news for home builders, it remains to be seen how long-lasting its effects will be. The ongoing trade tensions between the US and China continue to simmer, with 10% tariffs on Chinese goods remaining in place.