NAHB seeks boost in U.S. lumber production, launch of new lumber trade talks with Canada.

But spending did increase on a year-over-year basis.

Total construction posted an 0.2% decline on a monthly basis, but recorded a solid 5% pickup from the year-earlier total.

Chances may be improving for resolving a long-running trade dispute over pricing of Canadian softwood-lumber shipments to the U.S.

Commerce Dept. says construction spending declines 1.3% on monthly basis but climbs 1.6% vs. June 2016.

U.S. lumber companies praise Commerce Dept. action, but Canada vows a strong defense.