The Trump Administration has launched an investigation into whether the United States' reliance on imported timber and lumber threatens national security. A new executive order directs Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnik to assess the impact of these imports and propose potential measures, including tariffs, export controls, or incentives to boost domestic production. Lutnik must conclude the investigation by 26 November 2025.
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The order states that the wood products industry, including 'timber, lumber, and their derivative products (such as paper products, furniture, and cabinetry),' is 'a critical manufacturing industry essential to the national security, economic strength and industrial resilience of the United States.' It highlights the sector's role in supporting construction and other key industries.
Trump claims that despite having sufficient timber resources, the U.S. has remained a net importer of softwood lumber since 2016. He argues that domestic production could meet "95%" of the country's 2024 softwood consumption. The order distinguishes between timber, defined as unprocessed wood, and lumber, which has been milled and cut into boards and planks.
The probe follows similar investigations into the copper industry and past tariff measures, such as the 25% tariffs imposed on steel and aluminium due to national security concerns.
Source: www.designerstoday.com