President Trump Takes Action to Increase Domestic Lumber Production

U.S. President Donald Trump has made moves to boost domestic lumber production by signing two actions on Saturday. These actions include a directive for the Commerce Department to investigate the potential national security risks posed by lumber imports.

One of the actions signed by the president is an executive order aimed at expanding the supply of timber and lumber in order to potentially reduce housing and construction costs. The goal is to simplify the permitting process by increasing the amount of wood salvaged from forests and expanding the availability of wood products for sale.

A senior White House official, speaking anonymously, stated that the order is also intended to help prevent wildfires and enhance wildlife habitats. Additionally, the order will streamline the process for obtaining wood products.

The official highlighted that countries like Canada, Brazil, and Germany provide subsidies for their lumber industries, putting the United States at a disadvantage. As a result, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick will launch a Section 232 investigation under the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 to assess any potential national security threats.

President Trump had mentioned the possibility of imposing a 25% tariff on lumber imports during a conversation with reporters on Air Force One on February 19, as reported by Reuters.