Housing Tariff Exclusion Act

Key Points

• This bill creates a process for builders and companies to request that import tariffs on home construction materials be waived. The Commerce Department would run the system, and U.S. entities or associations could apply for exclusions on products used in building single-family homes or apartment buildings.
• Essential homebuilding materials listed in the bill would get fast-tracked decisions within 15 days, while other construction-related products would be decided within 60 days. The bill covers a massive list of tariff codes for items like lumber, cement, glass, plumbing fixtures, drywall, and roofing materials.
• The bill responds to a national housing shortage estimated at 3 to 5 million homes and argues that tariffs on building materials add billions of dollars to construction costs, making it harder and more expensive for people to buy or rent homes.
• Companies that already paid higher tariffs after the bill's enactment but before receiving an exclusion could get refunds. They would have 180 days after an exclusion is granted to file for reimbursement with Customs and Border Protection.
• The bill only targets tariffs that were imposed after January 19, 2025, meaning it specifically addresses recently added duties rather than longstanding trade protections. It does not affect antidumping or countervailing duties.