Hardwood Federation Provides Industry-Focused Updates in October 30th “D.C. Cheat Sheet”
The Hardwood Federation produces a “D.C. Cheat Sheet” newsletter to keep the industry up-to-date on the latest news from Washington D.C. Check out the October 30th edition below and sign up to receive your copy.
U.S. China Reach Trade Agreement: During meetings yesterday in South Korea, President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed to a framework trade deal that purportedly will, among other things, result in China purchasing significantly more agricultural exports. While the focus has been on the anticipated purchase of 25 million tons of soybean, it is anticipated that other agriculture products will be included as well. As we have reported, the Hardwood Federation has been pushing hard for hardwoods to be included in any trade deal. Details of the agreement have not yet been released although we anticipate the White House will provide more complete information in the next day or two. We will share any materials from the White House as soon as possible.
Hardwood Letter Generates Press Coverage: The press response to the Hardwood Federation transmitted letter to Trump Administration officials making the case that U.S. hardwood companies should be included in any trade deals or assistance programs addressing agriculture industries negatively impacted by trade and tariff policies has been significant. You can read and view samples of recent stories covering the letter here. And we are not done yet. Our partners at Monument Advocacy continue to share the letter with state and local press outlets and connect hardwood industry members with journalists as requested. If you have press contacts in your local area, feel free to share the letter and encourage coverage.
Senate Pushes Back on Trump Emergency Tariffs: Also yesterday, the U.S. Senate voted 50-46 to approve Senate Joint Resolution 77 sponsored by Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) that would eliminate the underlying premise used to justify tariffs on Canada. In short, SJR 77 would end the national emergency, which President Trump declared on February 1, as well as the 35 percent tariffs on most imports from Canada and a 10 percent tariff on imports of potash, a key component of fertilizer and energy products. Passage of the resolution follows closely on approval of a similar resolution (S.J.Res. 81) earlier this week terminating the national emergency declared to impose tariffs on Brazil. That measure passed 52-48.
In more sweeping action, the Senate earlier today passed S.J. Res. 88 which declares that the national emergency declaration that the president invoked on April 2, which the president dubbed “Liberation Day,” to authorize sweeping reciprocal tariffs on countries cross the globe would be “terminated” on the date of its enactment. This action was led by Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) and passed the upper chamber by a vote of 51-47.
All three of these measures are “messaging” proposals as they have no chance of passing in the House.
Source: Hardwood Federation