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 August 27th edition below and sign up to receive your copy.
U.S.-Canada Tariff Deal Collapses: Despite positive signs late last week, the tentative deal to cool the escalating trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada collapsed last Friday night. At 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, the tariff increases threatened by the Trump Administration went into effect. A full list Canadian products impacted by the action is here. Wood products (HTS codes starting with 4400) begin on page 6.
On Tuesday, the Canadian government announced retaliatory tariffs to go into effect on September 8th in response to the U.S. action. In addition to tariffs on a range of U.S. products, including U.S. softwood (25%), hardwood plywood (50%), and paper products (25-50%), Canada will provide support for companies and workers impacted by the increased tariff rates. A full list of U.S. products impacted is available here. Wood and paper products (HS Codes 4407.11.00 – 4823.69.00) may be found on pages 7 and 8.
The Trump Administration has responded to the retaliation with threats of additional tariffs focused on automobiles, trucks, and steel originating in Canada, possibly in January. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer has also floated banning import of certain Canadian goods. We will continue to monitor this very fluid situation and provide updates.
Hardwood Federation Joins Letter to President Regarding EUDR: The Hardwood Federation joined other associations and company members of the U.S. Forestry and Forest Products sectors on a letter to President Trump encouraging the administration to continue to push Europe Union leaders to recognize that the U.S. forest and wood products supply chain presents a low risk to global deforestation and that all unnecessary and burdensome regulations be dropped for U.S. exporters.
The Hardwood Federation’s close working relationship with the National Alliance of Forest Owners allowed us to extend the opportunity for Federation member associations and hardwood companies to sign on to the letter. U.S. hardwood interests are well represented.
Source: Hardwood Federation