President Trump signed a memo on March 1 for the Commerce Department to initiate a national security investigation into U.S. lumber imports and their derivative products, including paper, under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. Commerce’s report, including recommendations to mitigate any threats and strengthen the industry, is due no later than November 26th. This could be added on top of the proposed 25% tariffs and on Canadian and Mexican goods.
In conjunction, the President also signed a second Executive Order instructing the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture, along with other agencies, to review and issue new regulations on forestry management practices to promote expanded U.S. timber and lumber production.
President Trump is expected to announce his final decision on tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China on March 4 regarding how much they would be and when they would go into effect (or delayed). The State of the Union is also tomorrow. The Alliance will continue to members apprised.
Holly Lubart is Vice President, Government Affairs at the News/Media Alliance. Previously, she served as Vice President of Government Affairs for the PA NewsMedia Association and started her career as a journalist. Lubart has over 20 years of political and communications experience.