Rising Costs & Supply Disruptions:
Challenges for the U.S. Housing Market Under Brazil’s 50% Tariff
For North American multi-family builders, the only certainty in 2026 is uncertainty. Trade policies are shifting rapidly, creating ripple effects that impact procurement strategies from raw materials to finished goods.
1. The Brazilian Import Reality
The Fact: The U.S. has implemented a significant 50% tariff on specific Brazilian wood imports, heavily impacting the plywood and MDF sectors. This policy shift fundamentally alters the cost structure for domestic sourcing.
2. The State of Vietnam Manufacturing
Current Status: As of early 2026, the tariff on Vietnamese wooden cabinetry remains at 25%. While this offers a stable production window today, we recognize that trade classifications are fluid. This requires vigilant monitoring.
Impact on Multi-Family Developers
In large-scale development, policy volatility is the biggest risk to your margins. When supply chains are disrupted by overnight tariff hikes, “business as usual” becomes a liability.
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