Hardwood Federation Petitions Trump for Help on Tariffs

A letter to the administration signed by hundreds of hardwood businesses wants federal support for their companies.

The letter, written before the latest negotiations between the U.S. and China, requests fairer trade agreements and potential support if these are not put in place. “The undersigned US hardwood companies and organizations,” the letter reads, “representing the employees, businesses, and communities who rely on our industry … request that the administration prioritize the US hardwood industry as you continue to negotiate new trade agreements, particularly with China. Barring successful deals that include hardwood interests, we seek federal support to sustain our operations until negotiations succeed.”

Citing the 1.8 million jobs supported by the US hardwood industry, the letter offers context on hardwood’s role in the American economy. “Prior to 2018, hardwood lumber was the second most exported US product to China, behind only soybeans,” it states. “When China imposed retaliatory tariffs that year, American hardwood exporters lost half their market share to competitors in Russia, Thailand, Malaysia and elsewhere. Even once those tariffs receded, regaining those markets has proven extraordinarily difficult.

“Since 2018, lost commercial opportunities total more than $9 billion, weakening sawmills, logging operations, and lumberyards across the country.” 

The letter reinforces the role hardwoods play in the American economy and why federal support for it should high tariff rates continue is critical. “If the sector contracts further due to diminished international market access, we risk losing the critical mass of production capacity required to sustain this foundational industry.

“Should tariff relief programs become necessary, we urge the administration to include the US hardwood sector, to safeguard rural jobs, secure a sustainable domestic supply chain and preserve a proud American industry for generations to come.” There is not believed to be any response so far to the letter from the Trump administration.

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