President Trump signed on Saturday Presidential Order He calls for an evaluation of the imports of wood, described as a “critical” manufacturing industry “necessary” to the US national security, economic strength and industrial resilience.
“Tulin products are an important input used by both the civilian construction industry and the military. Every year, the US military spends over $10 billion in construction. The military also invests in innovative building materials technology, including the process of creating innovative wood products such as cross-linked wood,” the executive order reads.
The Secretary of Commerce will urge them to begin a survey of current and projected demand for U.S. timber and timber with specific forecasts on whether domestic production of timber and timber can meet national demand.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnik is expected to submit a report with the president by November 26th, including his assessment.
“The procurement of these building materials relies on manufacturing bases that can meet both the strong domestic timber industry and the broader civilian needs unique to the military,” the executive order said.
The measure comes when Trump announced his consideration regarding the 25% tariff on international wood and timber products. Many of them are imported from Canada. The President is also expected to soon announce mutual tariffs on countries that it believes have unfair trade ties with the United States.
Officials in China and Mexico have argued that Trump's tariffs violate World Trade Organization regulations.
Despite their concerns, the President vowed to move forward with imposing tariffs in full force.
