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 addressed the U.S. Justice Department on Friday, discussing ongoing legal challenges and investigations into his actions. His remarks come amid scrutiny over his handling of classified documents and other legal matters.
The United States has proposed a "bridge" plan to extend the ceasefire in Gaza through April, aiming to facilitate negotiations for a permanent halt to hostilities and ensure the release of U.S.-Israeli citizen Edan Alexander.
Russia has escalated tensions with Britain, accusing it of being a "warmonger" and the primary obstacle to peace efforts in Ukraine. The accusations come as the UK continues to support Ukraine with military aid, drawing sharp criticism from Moscow.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance said on Thursday he would be surprised if President Donald Trump supported the deployment of nuclear weapons further east into Europe, following Poland’s request to host U.S. nuclear arms as a deterrent against Russia.
President Donald Trump told NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte on Thursday that U.S. control of Greenland is necessary for international security, escalating his campaign to annex the Arctic island.
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Serb entity, Republika Srpska (RS), adopted a new draft constitution, along with a law on protecting the constitutional order. The legislation expands RS's decision-making powers, challenging the authority of the country’s central government.
Cuba’s power grid has collapsed, causing a nationwide blackout and internet disruptions.
Mark Carney is Canada’s new prime minister, taking office amid a trade war with U.S. President Donald Trump.
A blast at a mosque in northwestern Pakistan injured four people, including two children and a local Islamist party leader, as authorities investigate the attack.
Italy’s Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna regions are grappling with severe flooding and landslides, prompting a red weather alert as heavy rains inundate streets and homes.
XPeng Motors plans to mass-produce flying cars by 2026, becoming the first company globally to do so. CEO He Xiaopeng also highlighted advancements in autonomous driving and humanoid robotics as part of the company’s future tech initiatives.
World leaders welcomed the 30-day ceasefire proposal that Ukraine has agreed to, calling it a step toward ending the conflict with Russia.
In Tuesday’s closely watched parliamentary election, Greenland’s pro-business opposition Demokraatit party took a commanding lead after over 90% of the ballots were counted.
BioNTech forecasts a revenue decline for 2025, expecting between 1.7 billion and 2.2 billion euros, down from 2.75 billion euros last year. This drop is due to Pfizer write-downs and stable vaccination rates. BioNTech also plans significant job cuts and new hires.
Regarding the Armenia-Azerbaijan process, we cannot forget the years of occupation, and we will not forget them, President Ilham Aliyev said in his speech at the opening ceremony of the 12th Global Baku Forum.
BMW expects a €1 billion loss for 2025 due to the US-EU tariff dispute, including a 25% duty on certain vehicles and tariffs on its China-made electric cars. The company hopes not all tariffs will remain for the full year.
Uzbekistan has signed an agreement with French and Japanese companies to initiate uranium production in the Navoi region by the end of 2025.
The United States imposed sanctions on Thursday on Iran's Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad and some Hong Kong-flagged vessels that are part of a shadow fleet that helps disguise Iranian oil shipments, the Treasury Department said.
Türkiye’s state-owned Turkish Petroleum Corporation signed a joint venture agreement with U.S. oil giants Continental Resources and TransAtlantic Petroleum, Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar announced.
The Bank of Canada trimmed its key policy rate by 25 basis points on Wednesday, lowering it to 2.75%, as concerns mount over inflationary pressures and weaker economic growth driven by renewed trade uncertainties and tariff threats.
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Serb entity, Republika Srpska (RS), adopted a new draft constitution, along with a law on protecting the constitutional order. The legislation expands RS's decision-making powers, challenging the authority of the country’s central government.
Cuba’s power grid has collapsed, causing a nationwide blackout and internet disruptions.
Mark Carney is Canada’s new prime minister, taking office amid a trade war with U.S. President Donald Trump.
A blast at a mosque in northwestern Pakistan injured four people, including two children and a local Islamist party leader, as authorities investigate the attack.
Italy’s Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna regions are grappling with severe flooding and landslides, prompting a red weather alert as heavy rains inundate streets and homes.
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