Trump Orders Investigation and Actions Regarding Timber and Lumber
On March 1, 2025, President Trump issued an Executive Order directing the Secretary of Commerce to initiate an investigation under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act to determine the effects on the national security of imports of timber, lumber, and their derivative products.
By November 26, 2025, Commerce is required to submit a report to the President regarding its findings, recommendations on actions to mitigate threats, and policy recommendations for strengthening the U.S. timber and lumber supply chain through strategic investments and permitting reforms. Section 232 is the provision under which additional duties are assessed on steel and aluminum. It is possible additional tariffs will be placed on imports of timber, lumber, and certain products thereof.
A parallel Executive Order was issued titled “Immediate Expansion of American Timber Production”. The Order directs the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture to take a variety of actions within 30 – 280 days. The goal of the actions is to reduce Federal
restrictions in U.S. timber harvesting to increase domestic supply, improve forest management, and wildfire risk reduction.
Schenker will continue to monitor the status of this investigation and will communicate as more information becomes available.