President DONALD J. TRUMP adjusts imports of timber, lumber, and their derivative products into the United States

Thursday, January 1, 2026 -President Donald J. Trump has taken decisive action to reshape the United States’ approach to imports of timber, lumber, and their derivative products, citing national security and economic resilience as core concerns.

 

Through a presidential proclamation under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, the administration determined that current levels of wood product imports pose a threat to U.S. industrial strength and defense supply chains, particularly in construction and manufacturing sectors.

As a result, tariffs on softwood lumber and related items are now firmly in place and being negotiated with trade partners as part of broader efforts to protect domestic industries.

Effective October 14, 2025, the U.S. began imposing significant additional duties on imported wood products to reduce reliance on foreign supply and support local producers.

 

These include a 10 % tariff on softwood timber and lumber and 25 % tariffs on upholstered wooden furniture and kitchen cabinets, with scheduled increases to 30 % and 50 % respectively on January 1, 2026, unless agreements are reached with exporting countries.

 

The administration emphasizes that these tariffs apply globally, meaning wood products from all countries face the new levy unless exemptions or negotiated terms are secured.

The proclamation also delays previously planned tariff increases on upholstered furniture and kitchen cabinets for an additional year to allow continued negotiations with major trade partners. Trump’s broader trade strategy blends protective tariffs with diplomatic talks aimed at preserving U.S. competitive advantage and reducing vulnerability in critical supply chains.

 

With these policies now in motion, stakeholders in housing, construction, manufacturing, and international trade are watching closely for how these tariff shifts will impact market prices, domestic production growth, and global trade relations in the year ahead.