Trump probes lumber, timber imports for potential tariffs; names furniture as derivative product

WASHINGTON – Does the U.S.’ reliance on imported lumber and timber constitute a threat to national security? That’s what the Trump Administration aims to find out through a new executive order.

“The wood products industry – composed of 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,” the order states. “This industry plays a vital role in key downstream civilian industries, including construction.”

Specifically, the order directs Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnik to investigate whether imports of timber and lumber and their derivative products threaten national security; recommend actions to mitigate such threats, including potential tariffs, export controls or incentives to increase domestic production; and recommend policies to strengthen U.S. timber and lumber production through strategic investments and “permitting reforms.”

Lutnik has until Nov. 26 to conclude his investigation.

Trump says the U.S. has ample timber resources, citing that the softwood lumber industry “has the practical production capacity to supply 95%” of the country’s 2024 softwood consumption, yet has remained a net importer since 2016.

The order goes on to define timber as wood that has not yet been processed and lumber as wood that’s been processed, including wood that’s been milled and cut into boards and planks.

The order follows a similar probe into the copper industry, as well as widespread 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum, which also were implemented out of concern over national security.