U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Saturday directing a new national security investigation into imported lumber under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962.
The probe, aimed at potentially imposing additional tariffs on imported lumber and its derivative products, comes as part of broader efforts to rebuild U.S. production of the critical commodity.
The order mandates that Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick complete the investigation within 270 days. It covers not only raw lumber but also derivative products—such as kitchen cabinets—where U.S.-harvested lumber may be exported and then re-imported. In a related measure, Trump’s order calls for agency heads to implement new steps within 90 days to streamline the permitting process for harvesting timber from public lands and to enhance the salvage of fallen trees, aiming to increase the domestic supply of lumber.
White House trade adviser Peter Navarro emphasized that the probe is intended to counteract actions by major lumber exporters, including Canada, Germany, and Brazil, which he accused of “dumping lumber into our markets at the expense of both our economic prosperity and national security.” Any tariffs imposed as a result of the investigation would be added to existing duties, including a combined 14.5% anti-dumping and anti-subsidy tariff on Canadian softwood lumber. These tariffs stem from a longstanding U.S.-Canada dispute over Canada’s low stumpage fees on public lands—a practice Washington argues amounts to an unfair subsidy.
The new probe is the third tariff-related investigation ordered by Trump in the past week. It follows his directive earlier this month to launch a Section 232 investigation into copper imports and a separate order reviving investigations into tariffs on goods from countries imposing digital services taxes on U.S. technology companies. Trump has also threatened a 25% general tariff on all Canadian and Mexican goods unless those countries address border security and curb fentanyl trafficking.
A White House official underscored the national security risks posed by an increasing reliance on imported lumber, noting that the U.S. military consumes significant quantities of the commodity for construction projects, even though domestic supplies are ample. Home builders, however, have long criticized existing tariffs for raising lumber prices and contributing to home price inflation.
As the Commerce Department gears up to complete its investigation, industry watchers and policymakers alike will be closely monitoring the potential impact on domestic lumber production and U.S. trade relations with key partners.
President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met ahead of Pope Francis' funeral at the Vatican, according to sources.
President Donald Trump has expressed scepticism over Vladimir Putin’s willingness to end the war in Ukraine, suggesting that peace may not be achievable soon, despite earlier comments indicating proximity to a deal.
Top Iranian and U.S. negotiators began a new round of indirect talks on Saturday in Muscat, seeking to broker a deal to curb Tehran's nuclear programme, as President Donald Trump expressed optimism about reaching an agreement.
The U.S. is set to offer Saudi Arabia a weapons deal worth over $100B during Trump’s visit in May. The package includes advanced systems like drones and C-130 planes, with discussions on F-35 jets. The deal follows Biden’s failed defense pact negotiations.
In an expansive interview marking his first 100 days back in office, President Donald Trump sketched out an agenda that touches everything from punitive tariffs and China policy to cease-fire hopes in Ukraine and an overhaul of domestic programmes. Below are the highlights.
Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas has named Hussein al-Sheikh as the PLO’s first-ever vice president, positioning him as a leading successor.
Russian security forces say they have detained a Ukrainian agent accused of killing a top Russian general with a car bomb near Moscow.
Russian President Vladimir Putin declared Ukrainian forces pushed out of Kursk, but Ukraine insists its troops are still operating in the region.
Indian and Pakistani troops exchanged gunfire for a second consecutive day on Saturday, as relations between the two nuclear-armed neighbors deteriorated following a deadly attack on tourists in India’s Kashmir region.
President Donald Trump has expressed scepticism over Vladimir Putin’s willingness to end the war in Ukraine, suggesting that peace may not be achievable soon, despite earlier comments indicating proximity to a deal.
China has rolled out the world’s first 10-gigabit (10G) fixed broadband network in Xiong'an New Area, promising ultra-fast speeds and low latency through cutting-edge optical infrastructure.
Pope Francis's relationship with Azerbaijan has evolved significantly over the years, characterized by diplomatic exchanges, promotion of religious tolerance, and peace advocacy in the Caucasus region.
Russia launched a major missile and drone assault on Kyiv overnight on April 24, killing at least twelve people and injuring 90, including children and a pregnant woman, according to Mayor Vitali Klitschko.
China’s pivot away from U.S. liquefied petroleum gas under new tariffs is shaking global energy flows, slashing demand, and fuelling a scramble for alternatives across Asia, with Middle Eastern suppliers and rival buyers seizing the moment.
A deadly attack targeting tourists in India’s Jammu and Kashmir territory has left at least 20 feared dead, marking the deadliest incident against civilians in the region for years, according to security sources.
President Donald Trump on Thursday signed an executive order aimed at boosting the deep-sea mining industry, marking his latest attempt to boost U.S. access to nickel, copper and other critical minerals used widely across the economy.
Uzbekistan and Iran have agreed to establish a Joint Business Council aimed at fostering development of business ties and facilitating the resolution of issues between entrepreneurs from both countries.
Brussels has fined Apple and Meta over €700 million combined, launching its first crackdown under the Digital Markets Act aimed at curbing big tech’s power and boosting competition in the digital economy.
The Trump administration is considering reducing tariffs on Chinese imports, aiming to ease tensions with Beijing as trade negotiations continue, a source familiar with the matter said on Wednesday.
Iran informed China on Wednesday about ongoing nuclear negotiations with the US, expressing a commitment to diplomacy despite past setbacks and urging stronger bilateral cooperation under their 25-year strategic agreement.
Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas has named Hussein al-Sheikh as the PLO’s first-ever vice president, positioning him as a leading successor.
Russian security forces say they have detained a Ukrainian agent accused of killing a top Russian general with a car bomb near Moscow.
Russian President Vladimir Putin declared Ukrainian forces pushed out of Kursk, but Ukraine insists its troops are still operating in the region.
Indian and Pakistani troops exchanged gunfire for a second consecutive day on Saturday, as relations between the two nuclear-armed neighbors deteriorated following a deadly attack on tourists in India’s Kashmir region.
President Donald Trump has expressed scepticism over Vladimir Putin’s willingness to end the war in Ukraine, suggesting that peace may not be achievable soon, despite earlier comments indicating proximity to a deal.
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