WASHINGTON – The Trump administration is seeking public comments for its investigation into whether the imports of lumber, timber and their derivative products (which includes furniture) constitute a threat to national security.
On March 1, President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing 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 the investigation.
“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.”
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.
Comments will be accepted until April 1 and may be submitted here.
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