Woodworking Industry News

Builder sentiment remains weak, driven by high prices, land costs, mortgage rates

Builder confidence in the market for newly built single-family homes fell two points to 34 in July, down from an upwardly revised reading of 36 in June, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI). Sentiment has remained below 40 for 15 consecutive months, the longest such stretch since 2012.

Woodworking Industry News

Tariff refunds hit $86B paid, with $49B June surge

The U.S. government has officially refunded $86.3 billion in Trump administration tariffs following a landmark 6-3 Supreme Court ruling last February that struck down the sweeping import taxes as unconstitutional. Since the ruling, more than 330,000 businesses have submitted claims for more than $166 billion in duties collected. 

Woodworking Industry News

Bliffert Lumber names Josh Brown CEO and president

STURTEVANT, Wis. — Josh Brown recently assumed the role of CEO and president for Bliffert Lumber.As part of a broader leadership transition at the 122-year-old company, Jay Walsh was promoted as chief operating officer. Longtime leader Eli Bliffert will transition from his role as CEO and president to serve as chairman of Bliffert Lumber’s Board of Directors.