NEWS

An executive order was issued to increase the harvest of timber on federal lands, citing the importance of timber to the U.S. economy and the need for forest management to reduce the risk of forest fires. The Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture will publish updated guidance on increasing timber production, improving forest management, and reducing the time to deliver timber by April 1.

PHOTO © Washington State Department of Natural Resources

60 industry organizations, including DHA, have urged the Trump administration to collaborate with Europe to resolve issues with the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Beginning this December, the EUDR will restrict U.S. exports of forest products to Europe. The goal of the EUDR is to prevent products linked to deforestation from being sold in the EU.

On March 4, the Trump administration imposed 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico and doubled the universal tariff on imports from China to 20%. In response, Canada implemented tariffs on U.S. products and China banned U.S. logs. On March 6, the U.S. tariffs on Canada and Mexico were delayed until April 2. President Trump has stated that illicit drugs like fentanyl are being smuggled into the U.S.

As a result of a new executive order declaring that wood products are critical to U.S. national security, the Department of Commerce will investigate imports of timber, lumber, and wood products like kitchen cabinets and furniture to determine the effect on national security. The Department of Commerce's report, including recommendations to mitigate threats and strengthen the industry, is due by November 26.

Decorative Hardwoods Association (formerly HPVA) eNews Volume XVIII, Issue IV: Trump Announces Plan For Reciprocal Tariffs | Decorative Hardwoods Are Always On Trend | Trump Issues Deregulation Order