Trump Imposes New Tariffs on Wood Imports to Boost US Industry
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!President Donald Trump is moving to shore up domestic manufacturing by imposing new tariffs on imported softwood timber, lumber, and wood products like kitchen cabinets and furniture. These levies are being implemented under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, which allows the president to charge tariffs in the name of national security.
Key Tariffs and Timeline
| Product Category | Initial Tariff Rate | Effective Date | Planned Increase (Jan. 1) |
| Softwood Timber and Lumber | 10% | Oct. 14 | N/A |
| Kitchen Cabinets and Vanities | 25% | Oct. 14 | 50% |
| Upholstered Wood Products | 25% | Oct. 14 | 30% |
The action follows a Commerce Department investigation launched in March into the impact of these imports.
A Focus on National Security
Unlike the “reciprocal” tariffs Trump previously imposed to raise revenue or correct trade imbalances, these new duties are based on a finding that foreign wood imports threaten national security by weakening US supply chains and industrial resilience. This use of Section 232 could make the tariffs more legally durable as the Supreme Court considers challenges to the reciprocal tariffs.
The administration stated that the goal is to “strengthen supply chains, bolster industrial resilience, create high-quality jobs and increase domestic capacity utilisation for wood products.”
Industry Reactions and Cost Concerns
Domestic manufacturers, like furniture makers in North Carolina, have long advocated for such levies, arguing that the industry has been “wiped out by unfair foreign trade practices.” Companies that stand to benefit include Ethan Allen and La-Z-Boy Inc.
However, other groups are warning of negative consequences:
- Home Builders caution that tariffs on lumber will raise the cost of new construction.
- Furniture Retailers and Companies (including Wayfair Inc. and Williams-Sonoma Inc.) are concerned about the impact on their businesses. The industry coalition Furniture for America stated that new duties would shrink the US workforce because the industry relies on a complex global supply chain that is not easily replaced domestically.
International Agreements
Major economies that have separate trade deals with the Trump administration will face lower rates:
- Tariffs on wood products from the UK won’t exceed 10%.
- Tariffs for the European Union and Japan will be capped at 15%.
The wood tariffs are the latest addition to an expanding pool of Section 232 sectoral tariffs, which already include levies on imported steel and aluminum.
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